System and method for characterizing, monitoring, &amp; detecting bioaerosol presence &amp; movement in an indoor environment

ABSTRACT

One variation of a method includes, during a calibration period: triggering collection of an initial bioaerosol sample by an air sampler located in an environment; and triggering dispensation of a tracer test load by a dispenser located in the environment; accessing a detected barcode level of a barcode detected in the initial bioaerosol sample; accessing a true barcode level of the barcode contained in the tracer test load; and deriving a calibration factor for the environment based on a difference between the detected barcode level and the true barcode level. The method further includes, during a live period succeeding the calibration period: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sample by the air sampler; accessing a detected pathogen level of a pathogen detected in the first bioaerosol sample; and interpreting a predicted pathogen level of the pathogen in the environment based on the detected pathogen level and the calibration factor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of metagenomics and morespecifically to a new and useful method for pathogen detection in thefield of metagenomics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application63/286,815, filed on 7 Dec. 2021, U.S. Provisional Application63/286,806, filed on 7 Dec. 2021, U.S. Provisional Application63/286,821, filed on 7 Dec. 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application63/178,721, filed on 23 Apr. 2021, each of which is incorporated in itsentirety by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a flowchart representation of a method;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart representation of the method;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart representation of the method;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowchart representations of the method;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are schematic representations of a system;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the system; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather toenable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention.Variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations,and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive to thevariations, configurations, implementations, example implementations,and examples they describe. The invention described herein can includeany and all permutations of these variations, configurations,implementations, example implementations, and examples.

1. Method

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 4A, and 4B, a method S100 includes, during acalibration period for an environment: triggering collection of aninitial bioaerosol sample over an initial sampling period of a fixedduration by an air sampler located in the environment in Block Silo;during the first sampling period, triggering dispensation of a firsttracer test load by a dispenser located in the environment, the firsttracer test load including a set of barcodes in solution in Block S112;accessing a first detected barcode level of a first barcode, in the setof barcodes, detected in the initial bioaerosol sample in Block S120;accessing a first true barcode level of the first barcode present in thefirst tracer test load in Block S122; and deriving a first calibrationfactor, in a set of calibration factors, for the first barcode in theenvironment based on a difference between the first detected barcodelevel and the first true barcode level in Block S130. The method S100further includes, during a live period succeeding the calibrationperiod: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sample over a firstsampling period of the fixed duration by the air sampler in Block S140;accessing a first detected pathogen level of a first pathogen, in a setof pathogens, present in the first bioaerosol sample in Block S150; andpredicting a first pathogen level of the first pathogen in the firstbioaerosol sample based on the first detected pathogen level and thefirst calibration factor in Block S152.

One variation of the method S100 further includes, in response to thefirst pathogen level exceeding a threshold pathogen level: selecting afirst mitigation technique, in a set of mitigation techniques,configured to reduce the first pathogen level of the first pathogen inBlock S180; generating a prompt to execute the first mitigationtechnique in the environment; and transmitting the prompt to a userassociated with the environment in Block S182.

One variation of the method S100 includes, during a calibration periodfor an environment: triggering collection of an initial bioaerosolsample over an initial sampling period of a fixed duration by an airsampler located in the environment in Block Silo; during the firstsampling period, triggering dispensation of a first tracer test load bya dispenser located in the environment, the first tracer test loadincluding fluorescent material in solution in Block S112; accessing afirst detected fluorescence level of fluorescent material detected inair collected by the air sampler in Block S120; accessing a first truefluorescence level of fluorescent material present in the first tracertest load in Block S122; and deriving a fluorescence calibration factorfor fluorescent material in the environment based on a differencebetween the first detected fluorescence level and the first truefluorescence level in Block S130. In this variation, the method S100further includes, during a live period succeeding the calibrationperiod: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sample over a firstsampling period of the fixed duration by the air sampler in Block S140;accessing a first detected pathogen level of a first pathogen, in a setof pathogens, present in the first bioaerosol sample in Block S150; andpredicting a first pathogen level of the first pathogen in the firstbioaerosol sample based on the first detected pathogen level and thefirst calibration factor in Block S152.

One variation of the method S100 includes, during a calibration periodfor an environment: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sample,over a first sampling period, by an air sampler installed in theenvironment in Block Silo; at a first time during the first samplingperiod, triggering dispensation of a first tracer test sample by a firstdispenser installed in a first location in the environment, the firsttracer test sample including a first true tracer level of tracermolecules of a first type in solution in Block S120; and atapproximately (e.g., within 1 second, within 30 seconds, within 1minute) the first time, triggering dispensation of a second tracer testsample by a second dispenser installed in a second location in theenvironment, the second tracer test sample including a second truetracer level of tracer molecules of a second type in solution in BlockS120; accessing a first detected level of tracer molecules of the firsttype present in the bioaerosol sample in Block S122; accessing a seconddetected level of tracer molecules of the second type present in thebioaerosol sample in Block S122; deriving a first calibration factor, ina set of calibration factors, for tracer molecules dispensed from thefirst dispenser at the first location based on a first differencebetween the first detected tracer level and the first true tracer levelin Block S130; deriving a second calibration factor, in the set ofcalibration factors, for tracer molecules dispensed from the seconddispenser at the second location based on a second difference betweenthe second detected tracer level and the second true tracer level inBlock S130; and interpreting a set of aerosol flow patterns in theenvironment based on the set of calibration factors in Block S132. Inthis variation, this method S100 can further include, during a liveperiod succeeding the calibration period: triggering collection of asecond bioaerosol sample, over a second sampling period, by the airsampler in Block S140; accessing a first pathogen level of a firstpathogen, in a set of pathogens, present in the second bioaerosol samplein Block S150; and predicting a pathogen level gradient of the firstpathogen in the environment, during the second sampling period, based onthe first pathogen level and the set of aerosol flow patterns in BlockS152.

One variation of the method S100 includes: triggering collection of afirst bioaerosol sample by an air sampler located in the environmentover a first sampling period of a fixed duration in Block Silo; andduring the first sampling period, triggering dispensation of a firsttracer test load by a dispenser in the environment, the first tracertest load including a first amount of an unmodified barcode and a secondamount of a modified barcode corresponding to the unmodified barcode andlinked to a first intervention type in Block S112; accessing a firstdetected amount of the unmodified barcode present in the firstbioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler during the first samplingperiod in Block S120; deriving a calibration factor, in a set ofcalibration factors, based on the first amount and the first detectedamount of the unmodified barcode in Block S130; accessing a seconddetected amount of the modified barcode detected in the first bioaerosolsample in Block S124; predicting an adjusted detected amount of themodified barcode present in the environment, during the first samplingperiod, based on the second detected amount and the calibration factorin Block S160; and characterizing a detected dosage of the firstintervention type in the environment during the first sampling periodbased on a difference between the adjusted detected amount and thesecond amount of the modified barcode dispensed in the first tracer testload in Block S162.

In one variation, the method S100 further includes accessing a dosageprofile corresponding to the first intervention type in Block S162. Inthis variation, the method S100 further includes, for each pathogen in aset of pathogens defined for the environment: accessing a target dosage,in a set of target dosages, of the first intervention type configured tomitigate pressures (e.g., presence and/or magnitude) of the pathogen;and characterizing a dosage difference, in a set of dosage differences,between the detected dosage and the target dosage for the pathogen inBlock S164. In this variation, the method S100 can further include:generating a notification including the set of dosage differencescorresponding to the set of pathogens; and transmitting the notificationto a user associated with the environment in Block S166.

One variation of the method S100 includes, during a calibration periodfor an environment: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sampleover a first sampling period of a fixed duration by an air samplerinstalled in the environment in Block Silo; during the first samplingperiod, triggering dispensation of a tracer test load by a firstdispenser, in a set of dispensers, installed in the environment, thetracer test load including tracer molecules in solution in Block S112;accessing a detected amount of tracer molecules present in the firstbioaerosol sample in Block S120; accessing a true amount of tracermolecules present in the tracer test load in Block S122; deriving acalibration factor, in a set of calibration factors, for the environmentbased on a difference between the detected amount of tracer moleculesand the true amount of tracer molecules in Block S130; deriving a set ofaerosol flow metrics, representing movement of aerosols in theenvironment, based on the set of calibration factors in Block S132;accessing a set of images of the environment recorded by a set ofoptical sensors deployed in the environment during the calibrationperiod in Block S170; and deriving an aerosol flow map depictingmovement of bioaerosols within the environment based on the set ofimages and the set of air flow metrics in Block S172.

In one variation, the method S100 further includes, during a live periodsucceeding the calibration period: triggering collection of a secondbioaerosol sample over a second sampling period of the fixed duration bythe air sampler in Block S140; accessing a detected pathogen level of afirst pathogen, in a set of pathogens, present in the second bioaerosolsample in Block S150; predicting a first pathogen level, in a set ofpathogen levels, of the first pathogen in a first location, in a set oflocations, in the environment during the second sampling period based onthe detected pathogen level and the aerosol flow map in Block S152; andpredicting a second pathogen level, in the set of pathogen levels, ofthe first pathogen in a second location, in the set of locations, in theenvironment during the second sampling period based on the detectedpathogen level and the aerosol flow map in Block S152.

One variation of the method S100 includes, during a calibration periodfor a space: triggering collection of a first bioaerosol sample by anair sampler 104 located in the space during a first sampling window of atarget duration in Block Silo; and triggering dispensation of a firsttracer test load containing a first barcode by a dispenser 102 locatedin the space during the first sampling window in Block S112. The methodS100 further includes: accessing a detected barcode level of a firstbarcode detected in the first bioaerosol sample collected by the airsampler 104 during the first sampling window in Block S120; accessing atrue barcode level of the first barcode contained in the first tracertest load dispensed by the dispenser 102 during the first samplingwindow in Block S122; deriving a first calibration factor for the spacebased on a difference between the detected barcode level and the truebarcode level in Block S130; and storing the first calibration factor ina calibration profile for the space in Block S132. The method S100further includes, during a live period succeeding the calibrationperiod, triggering collection of a second bioaerosol sample by the airsampler 104 during a second sampling window of the target duration inBlock S140. The method S100 also includes: accessing a detected pathogenlevel of a first pathogen, in a set of pathogens, detected in the secondbioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104 during the secondsampling window in Block S150; and calculating a predicted pathogenlevel of the first pathogen in the second bioaerosol sample based on thedetected pathogen level and the first calibration factor in Block S170.

One variation of the method S100 further includes, in response to thepredicted pathogen level exceeding a threshold pathogen level,transmitting a prompt to a user, associated with the space, to managethe first pathogen within the space in Block S180.

2. Pathogen Detection System

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 4A-4B, 5A-5C, 6, and 7, a pathogen detectionsystem 100 includes a molecular tracer dispenser 102 (hereinafter a“dispenser 102”) and an air sampler 104.

The dispenser 102 is installed in an enclosed environment and includes:a dispenser cartridge 130 containing DNA barcodes and fluorescentmaterial; a dispenser communication module 120 configured to receivecommands for operation of the dispenser 102; and an actuator 116configured to release a solution dose from the dispenser cartridge 130based on a command received by the dispenser communication module 120.

One variation of the dispenser 102 includes: a dispenser cartridge 130containing DNA barcodes; a dispenser communication module 120 configuredto receive commands for operation of the dispenser 102; and an actuator116 configured to release a solution dose from the dispenser cartridge130 based on a command received by the dispenser communication module120.

One variation of the dispenser 102 includes: a dispenser cartridge 130containing fluorescent material; a dispenser communication module 120configured to receive commands for operation of the dispenser 102; andan actuator 116 configured to release a solution dose from the dispensercartridge 130 based on a command received by the dispenser communicationmodule 120.

The air sampler 104 is installed in the enclosed environment andincludes: a sampler housing 150 defining an air inlet and an air outlet;a tunnel 152 arranged within the sampler housing 150 and extendingbetween the air inlet and the air outlet; and a sampler cartridge 160configured to collect bioaerosols in air flowing through the tunnel 152.

The pathogen detection system can further include a controllerconfigured to: coordinate operation of the dispenser 102; and coordinateoperation of the air sampler 104.

One variation of the pathogen detection system 100 includes a moleculartracer dispenser 102 (or “dispenser 102”) including: a housing nodefining a fluid outlet and a cartridge inlet; a cartridge receptacle112 located within the housing 110 proximal the cartridge inlet; aloading vessel 117 located within the housing 110; a fluid reservoir 140fluidly coupled to the loading vessel 117 and configured to storevolumes of an aqueous solution; a fluid doser configured to dispense avolume of the aqueous solution into the loading vessel 117; a sprayer118 (e.g., an aerosolizer) arranged proximal the outlet, fluidly coupledto the loading vessel 117, and configured to dispense droplets of atracer test load contained in the loading vessel 117 into an externalenvironment surrounding the housing 110; a power supply; and a dispensercommunication module 120 configured to receive commands for operation ofthe dispenser 102. In this variation, the pathogen detection system 100further includes a dispenser cartridge 130 including: a set of tracerreservoirs 132, each tracer reservoir 132, in the set of tracerreservoirs 132, preloaded with a concentrated barcode sample, in a setof concentrated tracer samples (e.g., barcode samples and/or fluorescentmaterial samples), configured for release into the loading vessel 117 togenerate the tracer test load; and a connector configured to insert intothe cartridge inlet and transiently engage with the cartridge receptacle112, to locate the set of tracer reservoirs 132 within the dispenser102.

In one variation, the dispenser 102 can further include a controllerconfigured to selectively actuate the sprayer 118 to dispense dropletsof the tracer test load.

In one variation, the dispenser 102 includes a fluid accumulator,located proximal the set of tracer reservoirs 132 within the housing no,and configured to direct fluid released from the set of tracerreservoirs 132 into the loading vessel 117.

In another variation, the molecular tracer dispenser 102 furtherincludes a cleaning module configured to sanitize surfaces within themolecular tracer dispenser 102 in preparation for a dispense cycle.

One variation of the pathogen detection system 100 includes: a moleculartracer dispenser 102 configured to release tracer test loads into asurrounding space; and an air sampler 104 configured to draw air fromthe surrounding space and through an inlet of the air sampler 104 tocollect a bioaerosol sample.

One variation of the pathogen detection system 100 includes: a set ofmolecular tracer dispensers 102 distributed throughout a facility, eachmolecular tracer dispenser 102, in the set of molecular tracerdispensers 102, configured to release tracer test loads into asurrounding space within the facility; and a set of air samplers 104distributed throughout the facility, each air sampler 104, in the set ofair samplers 104, configured to draw air from the surrounding space andthrough an inlet of the air sampler 104 to collect a bioaerosol sample.

3. Applications

Generally, the pathogen detection system 100 includes a molecular tracerdispenser 102 (hereinafter a “dispenser 102”) configured to: dispense aknown (or “calibrated”) amount of a molecular tracer molecule(hereinafter a “barcode”)—contained in a tracer test load—into a space(or “environment”) (e.g., an indoor environment); controlcharacteristics—such as barcode identity (e.g., defined by a DNAsequence of the barcode), barcode size (e.g., molecular size), barcodeconcentration (e.g., in the tracer test load), timing of dispensation—oftracer test loads dispensed into the space; and track characteristics ofgenetic tests loads sequentially and selectively released into the spaceover time. The system also includes an air sampler 104 configured to:collect a bioaerosol sample during or after release of barcodes into thespace; and detect presence and amount (or magnitude, signal strength) ofbioaerosols—including tracer molecules (e.g., barcodes and/orfluorescent material) and/or pathogens present in air collected by theair sampler 104—in the bioaerosol sample.

Generally, Blocks of the method 100 can be executed by a computer system(e.g., a remote computer system, a local server) in conjunction with thepathogen detection system 100 (hereinafter the “system”) to: dispense aknown (or “calibrated”) amount of a molecular tracer molecule(hereinafter a “barcode”) into a space; collect a bioaerosol sampleduring or after release of barcodes into the space; detect presence andamount (or magnitude, signal strength) of the barcode in the bioaerosolsample; and derive a calibration factor representative of detectabilityof these barcodes—and therefore airborne particles more generally (e.g.,airborne pathogens) within the space—based on a difference between theknown amount of dispensed barcode and the amount of the barcode detectedin the bioaerosol sample.

The system can also execute Blocks of the method to identify instancesand/or triggers for reduced or limited detectability of such barcodes inbioaerosol samples—and therefore airborne particles more generally overtime—based on differences between amounts of the barcode dispensed bythe dispenser 102 and amounts of the barcode detected in bioaerosolsamples captured by the air sampler 104 over time throughout thecalibration period, such as due to placement of the air sampler 104within the space or resulting from environmental changes within thespace over time. Accordingly, the system can: track or access datastreams for local conditions within the space (e.g., air temperature,humidity, time of day, indoor air velocity, human occupancy) during thecalibration period; and define a calibration factor (or a “calibrationmodel”) for the space as a function of such local conditions present inthe space during the calibration period.

Later, during a live (or “operating”) period, the air sampler 104 cancollect a bioaerosol sample of the space. The system can thus: detectpresence and amount (or magnitude, signal strength) of a pathogen inthis bioaerosol sample; and then implement the calibration factor tointerpret (or correct, normalize) the detected amount of the pathogenpresent in the bioaerosol sample based on the calibration factor (andcurrent local conditions in the space). More specifically, the systemcan implement the calibration factor to estimate a true magnitude of thepathogen present in the space based on an uncorrected pathogen loaddetected in a bioaerosol sample captured by the air sampler 104. Thesystem can then selectively generate and distribute prompts related toimproving detectability of pathogens and/or mitigating pathogen detectedin the space based on this true pathogen load.

In one implementation, the air sampler 104 is deployed in a particularspace (e.g., a classroom, an office, a shop, an airport terminal) andconfigured to ingest air present in this particular space and to capturebioaerosol samples (e.g., air samples containing captured airbornepathogens) from air in this particular space. In this implementation,the molecular tracer dispenser 102 is deployed in the particular space(e.g., permanently or exclusively during the calibration period) and isconfigured to release airborne tracer test loads—including knownconcentrations of tracer molecules (e.g., barcodes, fluorescentmaterial)—into air in this particular space. During a calibration periodfor this particular space, the system can trigger collection of abioaerosol sample at the air sampler 104 and concurrently triggerrelease of a tracer test load from the molecular tracer dispenser 102.The system (or an external lab or sensor) can then analyze (e.g., viagenetic sequencing) this bioaerosol sample to calculate a detectedamount (or concentration, level) of these barcodes, which represents aproportion of the tracer test load detectable (or “visible”) to the airsampler 104 within a sampling window. The remainder of the tracer testload not captured by the air sampler 104 can therefore remain in thespace. Similarly, during a live period, the air sampler 104 can capturea portion of a total amount of a pathogen present in the space. Theremainder of this pathogen not captured by the air sampler 104 cantherefore remain in the space, and the ratio of detected pathogen topathogen remaining in the space (or total pathogen load present in thespace prior to bioaerosol sample capture) during the live period can besimilar to the ratio of detected tracer molecule to tracer moleculeremaining in the space (or total tracer molecule load present in thespace prior to bioaerosol sample capture) during the calibration period.

The system can therefore derive a calibration factor for the space (andor for particular set of environmental conditions, tracer molecule size,etc.) based on the known concentration of these barcodes released by thedispenser 102 and the detected concentration of these barcodes in thebioaerosol sample captured during the calibration period. The system canthen leverage this calibration factor to predict actual concentrationsof pathogens in this space based on concentrations of these pathogensdetected in subsequent bioaerosol samples collected by this air sampler104 in this space.

Additionally, the system can leverage similarities between tracermolecules and pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) to mimic flow ordispersion of these pathogens within the space. For example, themolecular tracer dispenser 102 can be configured to release tracermolecules exhibiting a range of sizes, such that pathogens of differentsizes (e.g., within the range of sizes) can be linked to a particulartracer molecule most representative of this particular tracer molecule.Therefore, the system can derive a set of calibration factors duringthis calibration period, each calibration factor corresponding to aparticular tracer molecule. This system can then leverage this set ofcalibration factors to predict pathogen levels of different types ofpathogens in the space.

Further, the system can leverage detection of these tracer molecules toidentify regions within a space exhibiting relatively low detectabilityand regions exhibiting relatively high detectability. For example, thesystem can include multiple dispensers 102 deployed in different regionsof a single space, each dispenser 102 configured to release tracer testloads of different tracer molecule types. The system can then identify adetected tracer concentration for each tracer molecule type, and, basedon a known concentration of each tracer molecule output by acorresponding dispenser 102, identify a proportion of tracer moleculesdetectable for each tracer test load. Then, based on these proportionsand the locations of each of the dispensers 102 in the network, thesystem can: identify which regions of the space exhibit highdetectability and which regions exhibit low detectability; and derivecalibration factors representative of detectability, flow, dispersion,and/or other behaviors (e.g., bioaerosol clearance rate, bioaerosolexposure reduction rate) of these barcodes and therefore airborneparticles more generally.

The system can continue to trigger release of tracer test loads by thedispenser 102 after the calibration period to monitor changes indetectability of tracer molecules in the space. In particular, based ona calibration factor derived during the calibration period, the systemcan estimate an expected concentration in any bioaerosol samplecollected by the air sampler 104. If, however, the detected tracermolecule concentration is less than this expected concentration, thesystem can prompt a user associated with the space to investigate thespace for possible causes of interference, such as due to changes inairflow, barriers, occupancy, dilution, disinfection, etc. Additionallyand/or alternatively, the system can identify a cause of thisinterference and prompt the user to implement a mitigationtechnique—matched to this cause of interference—to restore detection oftracers and/or pathogens in this space.

3.1 Dispenser: Deployment, Sample Preparation, and Controlled Release

The dispenser 102 can be installed within a particular space within afacility—such as fixed to a wall, mounted on a surface (e.g., of atable), or coupled to an electrical outlet—to release tracer test loadsof particular barcodes in this particular space. In particular, thesystem can include a network of dispensers 102 distributed throughoutthe facility. Each dispenser 102, in the network of dispensers 102, caninclude a communication module 120 configured to enable communication(e.g., via Wi-Fi) between the dispenser 102 and the computer system(e.g., a remote computer system, a local server), each other dispenser102 in the network of dispensers 102, and/or a set of air samplers 104installed in the particular space.

In particular, the dispenser 102 is configured to receive a dispensercartridge 130 (hereinafter “cartridge 130”)—loaded with a set of barcodesamples (e.g., highly-concentrated barcode samples)—to dispenseparticular barcodes, contained in the set of barcode samples in thecartridge 130, into the space. Over time, this cartridge 130 can bereplaced to replenish a supply of barcode samples available fordispensation by the dispenser 102 and/or to supply the dispenser 102with different types of barcode samples. Once deployed (e.g.,permanently or temporarily installed) to a particular space, thedispenser 102 can release tracer test loads—including controlled amounts(e.g., concentrations), sizes, and identities of barcodes—duringdispense cycles of controlled durations and executed at controlledfrequencies, such as once per minute, once per hour, once per day, onceper week, or continuously. Then, approximately concurrent initiation ofa dispense cycle, the system can trigger the air sampler 104 to initiatea sampling period. During this sampling period, the air sampler 104 can:ingest air from the space (e.g., for a target duration of the samplingperiod); draw this air over an internal collection subsystem to collecta bioaerosol sample from the space; and process this bioaerosol sampleto detect presence and/or magnitude of various genetic material (orpathogens and/or barcodes specifically) in the space.

In one implementation, the system includes a network of dispensers 102(e.g., multiple dispensers 102) distributed throughout different regionsof a space or facility. In this implementation, the network ofdispensers 102 can be configured to release tracer test loads—includingknown amounts of barcodes of known concentrations, barcodes types,and/or identities—at fixed frequencies (e.g., once-per-minute,once-per-hour, once-per-day, once-per-week) in concert with collectionof bioaerosol samples by one or more air samplers 104 installed in thespace or facility. In particular, the system can trigger each dispenser102, in the network of dispensers 102, to dispense a tracer test load,in a set of tracer test loads, at controlled and/or scheduled releasetimes, each tracer test load, in the set of tracer test loads, includingknown (or “standardized”) concentrations of a set of standardizedbarcodes, such that each tracer test load is released at approximatelythe same time and includes approximately identical concentrations of anidentical set of standardized barcodes. Therefore, by coordinatingtiming, concentration, and identity of barcodes released into the spaceand/or facility across the network of dispensers 102, the system canderive insights related to detectability, flow, and/or dispersion ofbioaerosols in different regions of the space and/or facility.

4. Air Sampler

The pathogen detection system 100 includes an air sampler 104 configuredto draw air from an external environment (e.g., surrounding the airsampler 104) into the air sampler 104 to extract bioaerosol samples fromthe air. Generally, the air sampler 104 is configured to transiently orsemi-permanently install in a particular environment (e.g., an enclosedspace within a building), such as such as fixed to a wall, mounted on astand, or standing on a floor of a particular room. Alternatively, theair sampler 104 can be coupled with a mobile apparatus (e.g., a manualor autonomously cart, an autonomous aerial vehicle) configured totransport the air sampler 104 about a space or facility. The air sampler104 can then directly sample air from this environment and locally(and/or remotely) implement pathogen detection. For example, the airsampler 104 can be mounted (e.g., transiently, permanently) to a mobilerobot (e.g., a UGV) configured to autonomously navigate betweendifferent rooms within an office building to monitor pathogen levelsacross each of these rooms.

Further, the system can include multiple air samplers 104 installedthroughout a particular facility (e.g., one per floor in an officebuilding). For example, the system can include a docking station (e.g.,a charging docking station) configured to house a set of air samplers104, such that each air sampler 104 can be deployed from the dockingstation to a particular space (e.g., an office, a classroom, a store, abathroom) within a larger facility (e.g., an office building, a school,a mall, an airport).

Once deployed (e.g., permanently or temporarily installed) in aparticular space, the air sampler 104 can ingest air from the space overtime and draw this air over an internal collection subsystem to collectbioaerosol samples from the space, such as once per day, once per hour,once per minute, or continuously. An internal genetic material loaddetector, selective pathogen detector, or DNA sequencer within the airsampler 104 can then process these bioaerosol samples to detect presenceand/or magnitude (e.g., pathogen level) of various genetic material (orviral and/or bacterial pathogens specifically) in the space, and the airsampler 104 can then assemble detected presence and/or magnitudes ofgenetic material thus detected in the space over time into pathogen datarepresenting presence and/or magnitude of genetic material in air withinthe space (e.g., at a particular time and/or over time). Alternatively,bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104 can beintermittently returned to a lab for processing and diagnostics, such asby: removing a first sampler cartridge 160—including a first collectorplate containing a first bioaerosol sample—from the air sampler 104;installing a second sampler cartridge 160 into the air sampler 104 inpreparation for a next air capture period; and returning the firstsampler cartridge 160 to the lab for remote processing.

In one implementation—as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/709,213, filed on 30 Mar. 2022, which is incorporated in its entiretyby this reference—the air sampler 104 can be configured to include anair-capture module configured to draw air from the environment throughthe inlet of the body via electrostatic forces. This “electrostatic airsampler 104” can include: a charging element; a sampling medium in theform of a collector plate; and a power supply air-capture moduleconfigured to apply a voltage across the collector plate. For example,the electrostatic air sampler 104 can include: an inlet configured totransfer a bioaerosol sample from a surrounding space into theelectrostatic air sampler 104; a collector plate configured to receivethe bioaerosol sample and collect pathogens present in the bioaerosolsample; and a corona wire configured to cooperate with the collectorplate to draw the bioaerosol sample through the inlet via electrostaticforces. In particular, in this example, the air sampler 104 can beconfigured to supply a voltage between the corona wire and the collectorplate to enable ionization of particles present in the bioaerosolsample, thereby accelerating these particles through the inlet and ontothe collector plate.

In one example of the preceding implementation, as shown in FIG. 6, theair sampler 104 can include: a sampler housing 150 defining an inlet andan outlet; a tunnel 152 extending between the inlet and the outletwithin the sampler housing 150; a charge electrode arranged within thetunnel 152 proximal the inlet; a sampler cartridge receptacle arrangedproximal the fluid outlet within the sampler housing 150 and including acartridge terminal; and a power supply configured to drive a voltagebetween the charge electrode and the cartridge terminal. In thisexample, the pathogen detection system can further include a samplercartridge 160 including: a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board); acollector plate arranged on the substrate and configured to collectcharged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel 152; and a connectorconfigured to transiently engage the sampler cartridge receptacle tolocate the substrate and the collector plate within the tunnel 152 andelectrically couple the collector plate to the cartridge terminal.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the air sampler 104 can beconfigured to include an air-capture module including a pump coupled tothe inlet of the air sampler 104 and configured to draw air from theinlet and onto a sampling medium within a body of the air sampler 104 ata target rate (e.g., once cubic foot per second). This “pump-based airsampler 104” can include a sampling medium in the form of a filtercartridge (e.g., a PTFE filter cassette). For example, the pump-basedair sampler 104 can actuate the pump to draw air through the inlet andthrough the filter cartridge such that particles in the air collect on afilter within the filter cartridge. The pump-based air sampler 104 canthus continue to actuate the pump to dry and thus concentrate theseparticles on the filter over a sampling period, such as of a predefinedduration (e.g., 30 seconds).

In each of these implementations, the air sampler 104 can furtherinclude: a controller including a set of electronics and configured toselectively actuate components of the air sampler 104; and acommunication module 120 configured to transmit data between the airsampler 104, a set of dispensers 102, other air samplers 104, a set ofexternal devices (e.g., a mobile device, a local computing device),and/or a computer system (e.g., a local server, a remote computersystem).

4.1 Detection

The system can be configured to detect presence and/or magnitude of aset of pathogens within bioaerosol samples collected in the space.Further, the system can detect presence and/or magnitude of tracermolecules (e.g., a set of barcodes and/or fluorescent material)—presentin tracer test loads released by the dispenser 102 —captured inbioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104.

In one implementation, the air sampler 104 can be configured to processthese bioaerosol samples for diagnostics and/or genetic sequencingdirectly within the air sampler 104. For example, in thisimplementation, the air sampler 104 can include: a set of sensors in thesampler cartridge 160 (e.g., coupled to and/or arranged proximal thecollector plate) configured to detect tracer molecules (e.g., barcodesand/or fluorescent material) and/or pathogens in bioaerosol samples(e.g., fluid or dry bioaerosol samples) collected by the air sampler104; and a controller configured to read a set of signals from the setof sensors (e.g., via a databus) and interpret levels of tracermolecules and biological pathogens in air flowing through the tunnel 152based on the set of signals.

In particular, in this implementation, the air sampler 104 can include:a detection module configured to receive the bioaerosol sample forgenetic testing; and a handoff configured to transfer a collectedbioaerosol sample from the sampling medium to the detection module forpathogen detection (e.g., via genetic testing). Further, the detectionmodule can include a processing stage configured to process thebioaerosol sample in preparation for diagnostics and/or geneticsequencing. For example, at an expiration of a sampling window, the airsampler 104 can transfer a bioaerosol sample from the sampling medium tothe processing stage of the detection module via the handoff. Then, atthe processing stage, the air sampler 104 can: lyse DNA and/or RNAfragments in the bioaerosol sample; concentrate these DNA and/or RNAfragments within the bioaerosol sample; and compile these fragments fromthe bioaerosol sample into a genetic library (e.g., a DNA and/or RNAlibrary) for genetic sequencing. The bioaerosol sample—now prepared intothe genetic library—can then be passed through a genetic sequencer(e.g., a nanopore genetic sequencer, a LAMP reactor) configured toidentify a set of pathogens present in the bioaerosol sample.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the air sampler 104 can beconfigured to store this bioaerosol sample for further processing at aremote location (e.g., in a laboratory). In this variation, the airsampler 104 can be configured to collect the bioaerosol sample at thesampling medium and store the bioaerosol sample (e.g., in a storagemodule) within the air sampler 104 for later collection. For example,the air sampler 104 can be configured to: collect a bioaerosol sampleeach day for a week (e.g., to collect 7 bioaerosol samples, one for eachday of the week); and store each bioaerosol sample on a differentsampler cartridge within the air sampler 104. In particular, in thisexample, the air sampler 104 can be configured to include a carouselhousing a set of sampler cartridges, such that the air sampler 104 canactuate the carousel each day to rotate a fresh (i.e., clean, empty)sampler cartridge into a sampling position, each sampler cartridgelinked to a corresponding day of the week. A user (e.g., associated withthe space) can then: collect the set of sampler cartridges from thecarousel at an end of the week for further testing offsite; and refillthe carousel with a new set of sampler cartridges for the next week.

5. Molecular Tracer Dispenser

The pathogen detection system 100 includes a molecular tracer dispenser102 (hereinafter a “dispenser 102”) configured to transiently orsemi-permanently install in a particular environment and to releasetracer test loads (e.g., droplets of DNA barcodes and/or fluorescentmaterial in solution) into the environment (e.g., surrounding thedispenser 102). In particular, the system can include a dispenser 102configured to intermittently dispense tracer test loads containing knownquantities of molecular tracer molecules.

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to outputtracer test loads containing DNA barcodes (or “barcodes”) (e.g., shortsections of DNA from a particular gene or set of genes). In thisimplementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to output tracertest loads containing a set of barcodes (e.g., exhibiting negligible orno impact on human health). The system can leverage these DNA barcodes(or “barcodes”) as markers in bioaerosol samples collected by the airsampler 104. In particular, the dispenser 102 can be configured tooutput tracer test loads containing tracer molecules configured to mimicflow, distribution, and/or dissipation of pathogens (e.g., output inhuman saliva) in the space. For example, the dispenser 102 can release atracer test load including: a first barcode exhibiting sizes (e.g.,relatively small sizes) within a first size range matched to pathogensexhibiting sizes within the first size range; and a second barcodeexhibiting sizes (e.g., relatively large sizes) within a second sizerange matched to pathogens exhibiting sizes within the second sizerange; and a third barcode exhibiting sizes (e.g., relatively moderatesizes) within a third size range between the first and second sizerange. Therefore, the system can leverage detection of thesebarcodes—which can exhibit different flow or distribution patternswithin a space based on their sizes—to better predict flow ordistribution of viruses of different sizes within the space.

The dispenser 102 can be configured to output a tracer test load of aknown volume and including a known concentration of barcodes, such thatthe system can compare a detected barcode level (e.g., amount, quantity,concentration) to a real barcode level (e.g., based on the known volumeand the known concentration) in the tracer test load released by thedispenser 102. Further, the dispenser 102 can be configured tointermittently release tracer test loads into the space, such as at atarget frequency and/or aligned with collection of bioaerosol samples bythe air sampler 104.

In particular, the air sampler 104 (or another device configured forgenetic sequencing) implements a DNA sequencer to detect presence andload of tracer molecules and/or microbes (e.g., pathogens) in abioaerosol sample captured by the air sampler 104 during a samplingwindow. The dispenser 102 dispenses barcodes with unique molecular(e.g., genetic) identifiers that can be detected and identified by thesame DNA sequencer. Therefore, the calibration factor derived by thesystem from known amounts of dispensed barcode and detected amounts ofbarcode in a bioaerosol sample captured during the calibration routineis calibrated to both the space and the DNA sequencer, such as to bothenvironmental conditions (e.g., air currents, air cycling, barriers,traffic) in this space and the sensitivity of the DNA sequencer togenetic material of different types and sizes.

In one implementation, the air sampler 104 and the dispenser 102 can beconfigured to wirelessly communicate with one another, such that thedispenser 102 can automatically trigger the air sampler 104 to collect abioaerosol sample in preparation for or responsive to dispensation of atracer test load and/or the air sampler 104 can trigger the dispenser102 to dispense a tracer test load in preparation or responsive tocollection of a bioaerosol sample. In particular, in thisimplementation, the dispenser 102 can include a dispenser communicationmodule 120 configured to receive commands for operation of the dispenser102, such as from a controller (e.g., of the air sampler 104, of thedispenser 102, and/or of a second dispenser 102 installed in the space)configured to coordinate operation of the dispenser 102 and the airsampler 104.

Additionally, the system can include multiple dispensers 102 deployedthroughout a facility, such as deployed to different rooms within afacility or deployed to a single room within the facility. The airsampler 104 can directly sample air from this environment and locally(and/or remotely) implement pathogen and/or barcode detection.

The dispenser 102 is described as configured to output tracer test loadscontaining DNA barcodes. However, the dispenser 102 can be configured tooutput tracer test loads containing any other tracer molecule, such as afluorescent molecule, a fragrance and/or any other non-genetic molecule.

5.1 Housing

The dispenser 102 can include a dispenser housing 110 (hereinafter“housing 110”) defining a body or “chassis”: configured to support andlocate a combination of dispenser 102 modules, a controller, and/or acommunication module 120; configured for transport within afacility—including the particular environment—for reinstallation at adifferent location within the facility or within a remote facility(e.g., a laboratory) for maintenance and/or reassembly; configured toinstall in the particular environment (e.g., an office, a classroom, arestaurant) with minimal disruption to the particular environment; andconfigured to enable replacement of components or modules containedwithin the housing 110. For example, the housing 110 can define a rigidbody including features for: fixing to a wall, setting on a surface(e.g., a surface of a table), or coupling within an electrical outletwithin the particular environment; transport within the facility; andenabling access to components contained within the housing 110.

The housing 110 can include an outlet configured to pass tracer testloads from within the dispenser 102 (e.g., within the loading vessel117) into the external environment. Further, the dispenser 102 caninclude a sprayer 118—arranged within or proximal the outlet—configuredto transform volumes of the tracer test load into an array ofparticle-sized droplets of the tracer test load (e.g., barcodes inaqueous solution). Therefore, when released, these droplets (or“aerosolized particles”) can each move independently throughout thespace (e.g., based on barcode characteristics and/or environmentalfactors), thereby mimicking flow or dispersion of pathogens within thespace. In one implementation, the dispenser 102 includes a nebulizerconfigured to convert a volume of the tracer test load into a corpus ofaerosolized droplets.

The housing no can also include a set of doors to access various modulesand/or components of the dispenser 102. In one implementation, thehousing 110 can include a first door configured to enable access to thecartridge receptacle 112, such that a user may open (e.g., outward orinward) the door to insert and/or remove a cartridge 130 betweendispense cycles. For example, to insert the cartridge 130 into thedispenser 102, the user may: align the cartridge 130 with the firstdoor; and depress the door, by pushing the cartridge 130 through thedoor, to locate the cartridge 130 within the cartridge receptacle 112.Additionally and/or alternatively, in another implementation, thedispenser 102 can include a second door configured to enable access tothe fluid reservoir 140, such that a user may open the second door toinsert, remove, and/or refill the fluid reservoir 140 between dispensecycles.

5.2 Fluid Reservoir

The dispenser 102 can include a fluid reservoir 140 loaded with a volumeof an aqueous solution (e.g., an amount of salt dissolved in a volume ofpurified water) configured to be mixed with barcode samples loaded intothe dispenser 102. In particular, the fluid reservoir 140 can be loadedwith an aqueous solution exhibiting a particular concentration of saltdissolved within a volume of water, such that the aqueous solutionexhibits a set of properties configured to enable dispensation of tracertest loads —including barcodes mixed with volumes of the aqueoussolution—at particular droplet sizes and/or concentrations of barcodes.Highly-concentrated barcode samples—stored in the cartridge 130—can thusbe diluted within a volume of the aqueous solution stored in the fluidreservoir 140, such as prior to a dispense period.

The dispenser 102 can be reloaded with the aqueous solution overtime—such as between dispense cycles—to continue releasing tracer testloads in the space. In one implementation, the fluid reservoir 140 canbe refilled over time to replenish the aqueous solution within the fluidreservoir 140, such as manually by a user. For example, a user mayaccess the fluid reservoir 140 (e.g., via a door on the housing 110) toload a volume of the aqueous solution into the fluid reservoir 140(e.g., up to a defined fill level for the fluid reservoir 140). In oneexample, the user may access a supply of the aqueous solution to refillthe fluid reservoir 140, such as a bulk volume of the aqueous solutionor a pre-aliquoted volume of the aqueous solution.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the fluid reservoir 140 can bereplaced over time to replenish the aqueous solution within thedispenser 102, such as manually by a user. In this implementation, thedispenser 102 can include a reservoir receptacle 114 configured toreceive and rigidly locate the fluid reservoir 140—pre-loaded with aparticular volume of the aqueous solution—within the dispenser 102. Forexample, the fluid reservoir 140 can be configured to seat within thereservoir receptacle 114 external the housing 110.

The system can alert the user to refill the fluid reservoir 140 inresponse to the volume of the aqueous solution falling below a thresholdvolume. For example, the dispenser 102 can include a sensor—facing thefluid reservoir 140—configured to detect a fill level of the fluidreservoir 140. The controller can interpret this fill level andselectively prompt a user associated with the space to refill the fluidreservoir 140 in response to the fill level falling below a thresholdfill level. Alternatively, in another example, the controller can track:a quantity of dispense cycles executed by dispenser 102; and a dispensevolume of the aqueous solution dispensed during each dispense cycle. Thecontroller can then: access an initial volume of the aqueous solutionloaded in the fluid reservoir 140; estimate a remaining volume of theaqueous solution loaded in the fluid reservoir 140 based on the initialvolume, the quantity of dispense cycles, and the dispense volume foreach dispense cycle; and, in response to the remaining volume fallingbelow a threshold volume, prompt a user associated with the space torefill the fluid reservoir 140.

The system can therefore generate prompts to refill or reload the fluidreservoir 140—such as in a particular dispenser 102 in a set ofdispensers 102 installed throughout a facility—and transmit theseprompts to a user or users associated with the facility. Additionallyand/or alternatively, in one variation, the dispenser 102 can include aset of user feedback controls arranged on an exterior of the housing110. For example, the dispenser 102 can include a light (e.g., a redlight)—located on the housing 110 —configured to pulse on and offresponsive to detecting low volumes of the aqueous solution in thedispenser 102.

5.2.1 Loading Vessel

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can include a loading vessel117 fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir 140 and configured to receivea particular volume of the aqueous solution from the fluid reservoir 140for mixing with a barcode sample or barcode samples received from thecartridge 130, thereby generating a volume of a tracer test load. Theloading vessel 117 can be fluidly coupled to the outlet and sprayer 118,such that the resulting tracer test load can be aerosolized and releasedinto the surrounding environment.

In particular, in this implementation, the dispenser 102 can include: afluid reservoir 140 loaded with a volume of the aqueous solution (e.g.,a saline solution); a loading vessel 117 fluidly coupled to the fluidreservoir 140 and configured to mix barcode samples with volumes of theaqueous solution; and a fluid doser configured to dispense a set volume(e.g., one milliliter, five milliliters, ten milliliters) of the aqueoussolution from the fluid reservoir 140 into the loading vessel 117.Additionally, in this implementation, the dispenser 102 can include acleaning module (e.g., a UV-light) configured to sanitize surfaces ofthe loading vessel 117 between dispense cycles.

Additionally, the dispenser 102 can include an array of loading vessels117 fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir 140, such that multipletracer test loads can be prepared simultaneously.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the dispenser 102 can includethe fluid reservoir 140 including an array of loading vessels 117, eachloading vessel 117 in the array of loading vessels 117, pre-loaded witha particular volume of the aqueous solution. In this implementation, thefluid reservoir 140 can be divided (e.g., via interior walls of thefluid reservoir 140) into an array of loading vessels 117, each loadingvessel 117 in the array of loading vessels 117 fluidly decoupled fromeach other loading vessel 117. For example, the dispenser 102 caninclude a fluid reservoir 140 including: a first loading vessel 117pre-loaded with a first subvolume of the aqueous solution; a secondloading vessel 117 pre-loaded with a second subvolume of the aqueoussolution; a third loading vessel 117 pre-loaded with a third subvolumeof the aqueous solution; and a fourth loading vessel 117 pre-loaded witha fourth subvolume of the aqueous solution. In this example, eachsubvolume of the aqueous solution can be physically separated from eachother volume of the aqueous solution contained in the fluid reservoir140, such as via a set of interior walls forming the array of loadingvessels 117 of the fluid reservoir 140.

6. Dispenser Cartridge

The system includes a dispenser cartridge 130 (hereinafter a “cartridge130”) configured to couple with the dispenser 102 to releaseconcentrated tracer samples (e.g., barcode samples, fluorescencesamples), stored in the cartridge 130, into the loading vessel 117 fordispensation of tracer test loads—including barcodes and/or fluorescentmaterial mixed in volumes of the aqueous solution stored in the fluidreservoir 140—into the external environment.

In particular, in one implementation, the cartridge 130 can include: aset of tracer reservoirs 132 loaded with a set of barcode samples (e.g.,highly-concentrated barcode samples); and a connector configured totransiently engage with the cartridge receptacle 112, to locate the setof tracer reservoirs 132 within the dispenser 102 (e.g., in a particularposition). The cartridge 130 can be inserted into the dispenser 102prior to initiation of a dispense cycle during which a sequence oftracer test loads is released into the exterior environment. Thecartridge 130 can then be removed from the dispenser 102—such as uponcompletion of the dispense cycle or a set of dispense cycles—andreplaced with a new cartridge 130 for dispensation of a next sequence oftracer test loads from the dispenser 102. Therefore, the system caninclude a set of cartridges 130. Each cartridge 130, in the set ofcartridges 130, can be configured to include identical and/or uniquebarcode samples.

For example, the pathogen detection system 100 can include: a firstcartridge 130 configured to transiently install within the dispenserhousing 110 to supply DNA barcodes and/or fluorescent material to thedispenser 102 for dispensation of genetic test loads during a first timeperiod; and a second cartridge 130 configured to transiently installwithin the dispenser housing 110 to supply DNA barcodes and/orfluorescent material to the dispenser 102 for dispensation of genetictest loads during a second time period (e.g., offset the first timeperiod). Each cartridge 130, in the set of cartridges 130, can thereforebe replaced over time (e.g., by a user associated with the space) inorder to replenish the supply of tracer molecules (e.g., DNA barcodesand/or fluorescent material) for dispensation by the dispenser 102and/or to replace types (e.g., size, identity, barcodes and/orfluorescent material) of tracer molecules loaded in the dispenser 102.

The cartridge 130 can be configured for handling by a user (e.g., anon-skilled user), such that the user may physically manipulate thecartridge 130 to locate the cartridge 130 within the cartridgereceptacle 112 and enable release of barcode samples contained in thearray of tracer reservoirs 132 into the loading vessel 117. Thecartridge 130 can therefore be configured to serve as a housing for theset of barcode samples.

6.1 Tracer Reservoir

The cartridge 130 can include a set of tracer reservoirs 132, eachtracer reservoir 132 loaded with a particular barcode sample, in a setof barcode samples. Each barcode sample, in the set of barcode samples,can define a particular initial barcode concentration such that, whenthe barcode sample is mixed with a volume of the aqueous solution in theloading vessel 117, the resulting tracer test load exhibits a targetbarcode concentration (e.g., less than the initial barcodeconcentration).

In one implementation, the cartridge 130 can include a single tracerreservoir 132 loaded with a single barcode sample. For example, thecartridge 130 can include a tracer reservoir 132 loaded with a barcodesample including: a first concentration of a first barcode of a firsttype (e.g., within a first size range); a second concentration of asecond barcode of a second type (e.g., within a second size range); anda third concentration of a third barcode of a third type (e.g., within athird size range). Alternatively, in another example, the cartridge 130can include a tracer reservoir 132 loaded with a barcode sampleincluding a concentration of a (single) barcode (e.g., a genericbarcode).

Alternatively, in another implementation, the cartridge 130 can includean array of tracer reservoirs 132 loaded with an array of barcodesamples. For example, the cartridge 130 can include: a first tracerreservoir 132 loaded with a first barcode sample; a second tracerreservoir 132 loaded with a second barcode sample; a third tracerreservoir 132 loaded with a third barcode sample; etc. In this example,each barcode sample, in the array or barcode samples, can include knownconcentrations of barcodes of one or more barcode types.

In particular, each barcode sample can be configured to include a set ofbarcodes (e.g., of a set of barcode types). For example, the firstbarcode sample can include: a first concentration of a first barcode ofa first barcode type; a second concentration (e.g., equivalent ordistinct from the first concentration) of a second barcode of a secondbarcode type; a third concentration of a third barcode of a thirdbarcode type. Alternatively, in another example, each barcode sample, inthe array of barcode samples, can be configured to include a knownconcentration of a particular barcode (e.g., of a particular barcodetype), such that the first barcode sample includes a known concentrationof a first barcode and the second barcode sample includes a knownconcentration of a second barcode. Thus, each barcode sample, in thearray of barcode samples loaded in the cartridge 130, can be configuredto include varying concentrations and/or combinations of barcodes.

The dispenser 102 and cartridge 130 can be configured to enabledispensation of barcode samples—contained within the set of tracerreservoirs 132—into the loading vessel 117. In one implementation, thebarcode sample can be loaded in a capsule—defining the tracer reservoir132—loaded within the cartridge 130. The cartridge 130 can be configuredto release this capsule into the loading vessel 117 for mixing with theaqueous solution. For example, the capsule (or “barcode capsule”) can beconfigured to dissolve in the aqueous solution to release the barcodesample into the aqueous solution. In this implementation, the cartridge130 can be loaded with an array of barcode capsules containing barcodesamples. These barcode capsules can be located in particular slotswithin the cartridge 130, such that the system can selectively triggerrelease of particular barcode capsules from the cartridge 130.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the barcode sample can beloaded in a blister reservoir defining the tracer reservoir 132. In thisimplementation, the dispenser 102 can include a plunger arrangedadjacent the tracer reservoir 132 (e.g., a blister reservoir) andconfigured to pierce (e.g., penetrate) the blister reservoir to releasethe concentrated barcode sample from within the blister reservoir andinto the loading vessel 117. In one example, the controller canselectively actuate the plunger to locate the plunger over a particulartracer reservoir 132, in the set of tracer reservoirs 132. In thisexample, the dispenser 102 can include a fluid accumulator configured tocollect fluid (i.e., barcode sample fluid) released from the tracerreservoir 132 and direct this fluid toward the loading vessel 117.Alternatively, in this example, the cartridge receptacle 112 can beconfigured to locate the tracer reservoir 132 and/or cartridge 130 overor within the loading vessel 117, such that when the plunger pierces thetracer reservoir 132, releasing fluid from the tracer reservoir 132, theloading vessel 117 directly collects the released fluid (i.e., barcodesample).

6.1.1 Variation: Pre-Mixed Barcode Samples

In one variation, the cartridge 130 can be loaded with a prepared tracertest load including a known concentration of barcodes in a volume of theaqueous solution. In this variation, the dispenser 102 can exclude thefluid reservoir 140 and/or the loading vessel 117. Therefore, uponinsertion of the cartridge 130 into the dispenser 102, the dispenser 102can automatically dispense volumes of the tracer test load (e.g., viathe sprayer 118)—directly from the cartridge 130—at a particularfrequency until the cartridge 130 is empty. A user may then dispose ofthis cartridge 130 and insert a new cartridge 130 loaded with a newtracer test load including identical and/or distinct concentrations ofbarcodes as the previous tracer test load.

Additionally and/or alternatively, in this variation, the dispenser 102can be configured to receive multiple cartridges 130 simultaneously, inorder to increase a duration between replacement of cartridges 130,thereby limiting an amount of user intervention required.

7. Tracking Barcode Dispensation

The system can track characteristics of tracer test loads released bythe dispenser 102 over time. In particular, for each tracer test load,the system (e.g., the dispenser 102, the controller, the remote computersystem) can track: an identity (e.g., DNA sequence) of each barcodecontained in the tracer test load; an amount of each barcode; a volumeof the aqueous solution; a concentration of each type (e.g., size,identity) of barcode; a size of each barcode; and/or a time ofdispensation. The system can then store this information (e.g., in aremote database) in a profile generated for the tracer test load. Thesystem can then access this profile to extract insights regardingairflow patterns in the space, detectability of pathogens in the space,dynamic range of the air sampler 104, etc., based on detected barcodesin bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104.

In one example, the dispenser 102 can include a set of cartridges 130(e.g., replaceable cartridges 130), each cartridge 130 in the set ofcartridges 130 loaded with a particular set of barcode samples andlabelled with a unique identifier—such as a QR code—linked to thecartridge 130. In this example, a first cartridge 130, in the set ofcartridges 130, can include a QR code affixed to an exterior surface ofthe cartridge 130. The cartridge 130 can include: a first barcodesample—including barcodes of a first size, a first identity, and a firstconcentration —loaded in a first tracer reservoir 132 linked to a firstposition identifier; a second barcode sample—including barcodes of asecond size, a second identity, and a second concentration—loaded in asecond tracer reservoir 132 linked to a second position identifier; anda third barcode sample—including barcodes of a third size, a thirdidentity, and a third concentration—loaded in a third tracer reservoir132 linked to a third position identifier. The system can store each ofthese position identifiers—linked to the QR code affixed to the firstcartridge 130—and corresponding barcode sample data (e.g., identity,size, concentration) in a remote database. Then, upon insertion of thefirst cartridge 130 into the dispenser 102, a sensor (e.g., a scanner)can record the QR code affixed to the cartridge 130 and a currenttimestamp.

In this example, the system (e.g., the remote computer system, thecontroller) can then trigger release of the first barcode sample—loadedin the first tracer reservoir 132—into the loading vessel 117. Thesystem can then: generate a first profile for a first tracer test load;identify the first barcode sample based on the QR code and the firstposition identifier; and update the first profile to include the firstbarcode sample. Then, in response to releasing a first tracer testload—containing barcodes of the first barcode sample in solution—intothe space, the system can update the first profile to include atimestamp and/or time period of dispensation of the first tracer testload. The system can then store this first profile, in a set ofprofiles, in the remote database.

Later, in response to detecting an amount of barcodes of a first sizeand a first identity (i.e., barcode sample data) in a bioaerosol samplecollected by an air sampler 104 installed in the space, the system can:access the remote database; identify the first bioaerosol sample basedon the first size and the first identity; and access the first profilefor the first tracer test load. The system can then leverage thetimestamp corresponding to release of the first tracer test load toextract insights related to detectability, flow, and/or dispersion ofbarcodes of the first size and the first identity—and therefore similarairborne particles more generally—in the space over time, such asrelated to bioaerosol clearance rate and/or exposure reduction rate.

The system can similarly track other types of tracer molecules—such as afluorescent molecule, a fragrance and/or any non-geneticmolecule—released by a dispenser 102 or dispensers 102 in the space,based on known characteristics of these tracer molecules, in order toderive insights related to detectability, flow, and/or dispersion oftracer molecules and/or aerosols more generally in this space.

7.1 Single Tracer Molecule: Multiple Barcode Identifiers

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to outputgenetic test loads containing tracer molecules including one or morebarcodes —containing identifying information linked to a particulartracer molecule or group of tracer molecules—encoded within a singlestrand of DNA. Later, in response to detection of these barcodes inbioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104, the system canthus: link barcodes detected in bioaerosol samples to specific tracertest loads—such as dispensed at a particular time and/or by a particulardispenser 102 (e.g., installed in a particular location within afacility)—based on known (or recorded) dispense schedules of tracer testloads containing these barcodes; and therefore derive insights relatedto air flow patterns in this space—such as air flow rate, air flowdirection, air flow velocity, bioaerosol clearance rate, bioaerosolexposure reduction rate, etc.—based on time and/or location ofdispensation of these tracer molecules by the dispenser 102 and timeand/or location of collection of these tracer molecules by the airsampler 104.

7.1.1 Barcode Identifier: Location

In one implementation, the system can link tracer molecules detected inbioaerosols collected by the air sampler 104 to a particular locationwithin a facility and/or to a particular dispenser 102 (e.g., installedin a particular location).

For example, the system can include a first dispenser 102—located in afirst location within a facility—loaded with a first dispenser cartridge130 130. The first dispenser cartridge 130 130 can be loaded with afirst tracer sample containing a first set of tracer molecules (e.g.,barcodes). In this example, the first set of tracer molecules caninclude a first tracer molecule including: a first randomized geneticsequence (i.e., a randomized barcode)—unique to this first tracermolecule—encoded on a DNA strand of the first tracer molecule; and afirst predefined (e.g., nonrandomized) genetic sequence (i.e., apredefined barcode)—common to the first set of tracer molecules in thefirst tracer sample loaded in the dispenser cartridge 130 130—encoded onthe DNA strand adjacent (e.g., upstream, downstream, contiguous) thefirst randomized genetic sequence. Additionally, the first set of tracermolecules can include a second tracer molecule including: a secondrandomized genetic sequence—unique to this second tracermolecule—encoded on a DNA strand of the second tracer molecule; and thefirst predefined genetic sequence encoded on the DNA strand of thesecond tracer molecule adjacent (e.g., upstream, downstream, contiguous)the second randomized genetic sequence. Similarly, the first set oftracer molecules can include a third tracer molecule, a fourth tracermolecule, a fifth tracer molecule, etc., each tracer molecule, in thefirst set of tracer molecules, including a randomized geneticsequence—unique to the particular tracer molecule—and the firstpredefined genetic sequence common to the first set of tracer molecules.

In this example, the system can: at a first time, trigger dispensationof a tracer test load—containing the first set of tracer molecules—fromthe dispenser 102; and (approximately) simultaneously—and/or precedingor immediately succeeding dispensation of the tracer test load—triggerinitiation of a sampling period by the air sampler 104 to triggercollection of a bioaerosol sample. Then, in response to detecting thefirst predefined genetic sequence in bioaerosols collected by the airsampler 104 (e.g., travelling through the tunnel 152 and/or collected inthe bioaerosol sample), the system can automatically link thesecollected bioaerosols to the tracer test load—containing the first setof tracer molecules—dispensed by the dispenser 102 at the first time.Further, the system can then access a total quantity of (unique)randomized genetic sequences —linked to the first predefined geneticsequence—detected in bioaerosols collected by the air sampler 104 duringthis sampling period, in order to estimate a proportion of tracermolecules, in the first set of tracer molecules, collected by the airsampler 104, and thereby derive insights related to air flow in thisspace based on this proportion.

Additionally, in the preceding example, the pathogen detection systemcan include a second dispenser 102—installed in a second locationdistinct from the first location within the facility—loaded with asecond dispenser cartridge 130 130. The second dispenser cartridge 130130 can be loaded with a second tracer sample containing a second set oftracer molecules. The second set of tracer molecules can include a thirdtracer molecule including: a third randomized genetic sequence—unique tothis third tracer molecule—encoded on a DNA strand of the third tracermolecule; and a second predefined (e.g., nonrandomized) genetic sequence(i.e., a predefined barcode) —common to the second set of tracermolecules in the second tracer sample loaded in the second dispensercartridge 130 130—encoded on the DNA strand adjacent the thirdrandomized genetic sequence.

In this example, the system can thus: at a first time, triggerdispensation of the tracer test load—containing the first set of tracermolecules—from the dispenser 102 installed in the first location; atapproximately the first time, trigger dispensation of a second tracertest load—containing the second set of tracer molecules—by the seconddispenser 102 installed in the second location; trigger initiation ofthe sampling period by the air sampler 104 to trigger collection of abioaerosol sample. Then, in response to detection of the firstpredefined genetic sequence in bioaerosols collected by the air sampler104, the system can link detection of these bioaerosols to the firsttracer test load—containing the first set of tracer molecules—dispensedby the dispenser 102 at the first location and at the first time.Additionally and/or alternatively, in response to detection of thesecond predefined genetic sequence in bioaerosols collected by the airsampler 104, the system can link detection of these bioaerosols to thesecond tracer test load —containing the second set of tracermolecules—dispensed by the second dispenser 102 at the second locationat the first time.

7.1.2 Barcode Identifier: Time

Additionally and/or alternatively, in another implementation, the systemcan link tracer molecules detected in bioaerosols collected by the airsampler 104 to a particular time (e.g., time value, timestamp, timeperiod) associated with release of a tracer test load containing thesetracer molecules.

For example, the system can include a dispenser 102 loaded with adispenser cartridge 130. The dispenser cartridge 130 can be loaded with:a first tracer sample containing a first set of tracer molecules (e.g.,barcodes); and a second tracer sample containing a second set of tracermolecules (e.g., barcodes). In this example, each tracer molecule, inthe first set of tracer molecules, can be configured to include: arandomized genetic sequence (i.e., a randomized barcode)—unique to thetracer molecule—encoded on a DNA strand of the tracer molecule; and afirst predefined (e.g., nonrandomized) genetic sequence (i.e., apredefined barcode)—common to the first set of tracer molecules in thefirst tracer sample loaded in the dispenser cartridge 130 —encoded onthe DNA strand adjacent (e.g., upstream, downstream, contiguous) therandomized genetic sequence. Further, each tracer molecule, in thesecond set of tracer molecules, can be configured to include: arandomized genetic sequence—unique to the tracer molecule—encoded on aDNA strand of the tracer molecule; and a second predefined geneticsequence—common to the second set of tracer molecules in the secondtracer sample—encoded on the DNA strand of the tracer molecule adjacent(e.g., upstream, downstream, contiguous) the second randomized geneticsequence.

In the preceding example, the system can thus: at a first time, triggerinitiation of a sampling period by the air sampler 104 to triggercollection of a bioaerosol sample; at a first time during the samplingperiod, trigger dispensation of a first tracer test load—containing thefirst set of tracer molecules—from the dispenser 102; and, at a secondtime succeeding the first time, trigger dispensation of a second tracertest load —containing the second set of tracer molecules—by thedispenser 102. Then, in response to detection of the first predefinedgenetic sequence in bioaerosols collected by the air sampler 104, thesystem can link detection of these bioaerosols to the first tracer testload—containing the first set of tracer molecules—dispensed by thedispenser 102 at the first time. Additionally and/or alternatively, inresponse to detection of the second predefined genetic sequence inbioaerosols collected by the air sampler 104, the system can linkdetection of these bioaerosols to the second tracer test load—containingthe second set of tracer molecules—dispensed by the dispenser 102 at thesecond time. The system can therefore delineate between detection ofbioaerosols released at different times by the dispenser 102, andthereby derive insights related to time and bioaerosol detection, suchas a velocity of bioaerosols travelling between the dispenser 102 andthe air sampler 104 and/or a bioaerosol clearance rate for allbioaerosols and/or bioaerosols of a particular type in this space.

8. Fluorescent Tracer Molecules

In one variation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release tracertest loads containing fluorescent tracer molecules (e.g., fluorescentmaterial). In particular, in this variation, the dispenser 102 can beconfigured to receive a dispenser cartridge 130 containing fluorescentmaterial (e.g., fluorescent molecules) in solution. Once loaded with thecartridge 130, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release tracertest loads —including known amounts of fluorescent material (e.g.,released from the dispenser cartridge 130) in known volumes of theaqueous solution (e.g., dispensed from the fluid reservoir 140)—atcontrolled frequencies, as described above.

In this variation, the dispenser 102 can include a dispenser cartridge130 including a set of tracer reservoirs 132 containing fluorescentmaterial in solution. Therefore, the actuator 116 can be configured toselectively release fluorescent material from the set of tracerreservoirs 132 (e.g., based on commands received by the dispensercommunication module 120) for mixing with fluid released from the fluidreservoir 140 and/or for dispensation by the dispenser 102. Further, inthis variation, the set of tracer reservoirs 132 can contain fluorescentmaterial and/or DNA barcodes in solution. Additionally and/oralternatively, in a similar variation, the dispenser 102 can include adispenser cartridge 130 including a set of tracer reservoirs 132including: a set of barcode reservoirs 132 containing DNA barcodes insolution; and a set of fluorescence reservoirs 132 containingfluorescent material in solution. In this variation, the actuator 116can be configured to selectively release solution from the set ofbarcode reservoirs 132 and/or the set of fluorescence reservoirs 132(e.g., based on the command received by the dispenser communicationmodule 120).

In this variation, the pathogen detection system can be configured todetect fluorescence (e.g., intensity of fluorescence) of bioaerosols inair collected by the air sampler 104. For example, the air sampler 104can include a fluorescence detector 154 —such as an optical sensor(e.g., a fluorescence reader)—configured to measure fluorescence inbioaerosols collected by the air sampler 104. In this example, the airsampler 104 can include a fluorescence detector 154 arranged within thetunnel 152 of the air sampler 104 and configured to record fluorescencesignals emitted by these bioaerosols, such as in (near) real time asthese bioaerosols flow through the tunnel 152. The system (e.g., aremote computer system or a local controller) can then: read thesefluorescence signals recorded by the fluorescence detector 154; andinterpret presence (e.g., magnitude) of fluorescent molecules travellingthrough the tunnel 152 of the air sampler 104 based on thesefluorescence signals.

Alternatively, in a similar example, the air sampler 104 can include afluorescence detector 154 arranged proximal the collector plate of thesampler cartridge 160 and configured to record fluorescence signalsemitted by bioaerosols collected on the collector plate.

8.1 Tracking Fluorescent Material

In the preceding variation, the system can track characteristics oftracer test loads—containing fluorescent material in solution—releasedby the dispenser 102 over time. In particular, for each tracer test loadreleased by a set of dispenser 102 (e.g., a single dispenser 102,multiple dispensers 102), the system can track: an amount of fluorescentmaterial (or “fluorescence level”) contained in each tracer test load; avolume of fluid (or “solution”) of the tracer test load; a type or typesof fluorescent material contained in the tracer test load, such as ared-, yellow-, and/or green-fluorescent material; a size of eachfluorescent molecule or particle in the tracer test load; a time ofdispensation of the tracer test load; and/or a location of dispensationof the tracer test load (e.g., a location of the dispenser 102 duringdispensation of the tracer test load). Based on these trackedcharacteristics, the system can then leverage detection of fluorescentmaterial —exhibiting these characteristics—at the air sampler 104 toderive insights related to flow and/or distribution of aerosols (e.g.,bioaerosols such as pathogens and/or tracer molecules) in thisparticular space.

In one implementation, the system can associate fluorescent materialdetected at the air sampler 104 to a particular tracer test loaddispensed by a particular dispenser 102, in a set of dispensers 102,installed in an indoor environment. In this implementation, the pathogendetection system 100 can include: a set of dispensers 102 installed at aset of locations within the indoor environment; and an air sampler 104(or a set of air samplers 104) installed within the indoor environment(e.g., at a target location within the indoor environment). Eachdispenser 102, in the set of dispensers 102, can be configured torelease tracer test loads containing fluorescent material linked to thedispenser 102 and/or location of the dispenser 102.

For example, the pathogen detection system 100 can include: a firstdispenser 102 installed in a first location within an indoor (or“enclosed”) environment; and a second dispenser 102 installed in asecond location within the indoor environment. In this example, thefirst dispenser 102 can include: a first dispenser cartridge 130containing fluorescent material of a first type (e.g., red-fluorescentmaterial) and/or DNA barcodes in solution; a first dispensercommunication module 120 configured to receive commands for operation ofthe first dispenser 102; and a first actuator 116 configured to releasea first solution dose (e.g., of fluorescent material of the first type)from the first dispenser cartridge 130 based on a first command receivedby the first dispenser communication module 120. The second dispenser102 can include a second dispenser cartridge 130 containing fluorescentmaterial of a second type (e.g., green-fluorescent material) and/or DNAbarcodes in solution; a second dispenser communication module 120configured to receive commands for operation of the second dispenser102; and a second actuator 116 configured to release a second solutiondose (e.g., of fluorescent material of the first type) from the seconddispenser cartridge 130 based on a second command received by the seconddispenser communication module 120.

In the preceding example, the system can: trigger dispensation of afirst tracer test load—containing fluorescent material of the first typeand/or DNA barcodes in solution—by the first dispenser 102 at the firstlocation at a first time, such as via output of a first command to thefirst dispenser communication module 120; and trigger dispensation of asecond tracer test load—containing fluorescent material of the secondtype and/or DNA barcodes in solution—by the second dispenser 102 at thesecond location at approximately the first time, such as via output of asecond command to the second dispenser communication module 120. Priorand/or approximately concurrent dispensation of the first and secondtracer test loads, the system can also trigger collection of abioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104.

Then, in the preceding example, in response to detecting presence offluorescent material of the first type (e.g., red-fluorescent material)at the air sampler 104, the system can automatically associate a time ofdetection, a detected fluorescence level (e.g., amount of fluorescentmaterial, intensity of fluorescence) of fluorescent material of thefirst type, and/or a location of detection (e.g., a location of the airsampler 104) with the first tracer test load released at the first timeand by the first dispenser 102 installed in the first location in thespace. Additionally and/or alternatively, in this example, in responseto detecting presence of fluorescent material of the second type (e.g.,green-fluorescent material) at the air sampler 104, the system canautomatically associate time of detection, detected fluorescence level,and/or location of detection of fluorescent material of the second typewith the second tracer test load released at the first time and by thesecond dispenser 102 installed in the second location in the space. Thesystem can therefore derive insights related to detectability, flow,and/or dispersion of tracer molecules (and/or aerosols more generally)in this space at increased specificity by enabling detection andidentification of tracer molecules dispensed in both the first andsecond locations (and/or any other location of a dispenser 102 in theset of dispensers 102).

Additionally and/or alternatively, in a similar implementation, thesystem can associate fluorescent material detected at the air sampler104 to a particular tracer test load dispensed by the dispenser 102 at aparticular time (e.g., time of day, time value, timepoint). For example,the dispenser 102 can include a dispenser cartridge 130 including a setof reservoirs (or “tracer reservoirs 132”) containing fluorescentmaterial configured for dispensation by the dispenser 102. Inparticular, in this example, the dispenser 102 can include: a firstreservoir containing fluorescent material of a first type (e.g.,exhibiting a first fluorescence signature) configured for dispensationby the dispenser 102 at a first time; and a second reservoir containingfluorescent material of a second type (e.g., exhibiting a secondfluorescence signature distinct from the first fluorescence signature)configured for dispensation by the dispenser 102 at a second time. Thesystem can then: trigger dispensation of a first tracer testload—containing fluorescent material of the first type (e.g., releasedfrom the first reservoir by the actuator 116)—by the dispenser 102 atapproximately the first time; trigger dispensation of a second tracertest load—containing fluorescent material of the second type (e.g.,released from the second reservoir by the actuator 116)—by the dispenser102 at approximately the second time. Then, in response to detection offluorescent material of the first type at the air sampler 104 (e.g., viaan optical sensor arranged within the air sampler 104), the system canassociate this detected fluorescent material with the first tracer testload dispensed at the first time. Additionally and/or alternatively, inresponse to detection of fluorescent material of the second type at theair sampler 104, the system can associate this detected fluorescentmaterial of the second type with the second tracer test load dispensedat the second time.

9. Calibration

During a calibration period, the system can run evaluations to calibrateand confirm functionality of the dispenser 102 and/or air sampler 104.In particular, the system can: trigger the dispenser 102 tointermittently (e.g., at a fixed frequency, pseudo-randomly) releasetracer test loads into a space; trigger the air sampler 104 to collectbioaerosol samples during and/or after release of these tracer testloads in the space; detect barcode levels of various barcodes containedin these tracer test loads via genetic sequencing of bioaerosol samplescollected by the air sampler 104; and compare detected barcode levelswith actual or known barcode levels in the tracer test loads to identifya calibration factor for this air sampler 104.

The system can store information collected for a space during thecalibration period in a calibration profile for this space. Later,during a live period succeeding the calibration period, the system canaccess this calibration profile for the space to: predict pathogenlevels within the space; detect changes (e.g., environmental changes)within the space; and provide recommendations to users associated withthe space to improve detectability of pathogens in the space.

9.1.1 One Air Sampler+One Dispenser: Single Space

In one implementation, the system can include: an air sampler 104deployed in a space (e.g., an office room, a classroom, a dining room ina restaurant); and a dispenser 102 deployed in the space. In thisimplementation, the system can identify a calibration factor for thisspace based on known quantities of barcodes output by the dispenser 102and detected quantities of barcodes collected by the air sampler 104.The system can then leverage this calibration factor to more accuratelypredict quantities (or levels) of pathogens in a particular space basedon bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104.

For example, during a calibration period for a space including an airsampler 104 and a dispenser 102, the system can: at a first time,trigger collection of a first bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104over a first sampling window of a target duration (e.g., 1 minute, 1hour, 24 hours); and, at a second time succeeding the first time withinthe fixed sampling window (e.g., seconds after the first time), triggerdispensation of a tracer test load by the dispenser 102, the tracer testload defining a first volume and exhibiting a first concentration ofbarcodes. Upon expiration of the first sampling window, the bioaerosolsample can be collected for further analysis via genetic testing, suchas within a detection module within the air sampler 104 or at a remotelocation (e.g., a laboratory) distinct from the space. via genetictesting to identify a detected barcode level within the bioaerosolsample during the fixed sampling window. The system can then: access thedetected barcode level (e.g., load, concentration) corresponding to afirst barcode in the bioaerosol sample; calculate a true barcode levelin the space based on the first volume and the first concentration ofbarcodes in the tracer test load; and calculate a calibration factorbased on the detected barcode level in the bioaerosol sample and thetrue barcode level in the tracer test load. The system can then storethis calibration factor in a calibration profile corresponding to thisspace.

Later, during a live period succeeding the calibration period, thesystem can leverage this calibration factor to predict pathogen levelsin the space based on detected pathogen levels in bioaerosol samplescollected by the air sampler 104. In particular, in the precedingexample, the system can: access a detected pathogen level of a firstpathogen in a bioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104 duringa second sampling window of the target duration; access the calibrationfactor stored in the calibration profile corresponding to the space; andcalculate a pathogen level of the first pathogen, in the space, duringthe second sampling window, based on the detected pathogen level and thecalibration factor.

The system can calculate a single calibration factor for all barcodes ina tracer test load based on total amount of barcodes in the tracer testload and detected in the bioaerosol sample. Alternatively, the systemcan calculate a unique calibration factor for each type of barcode inthe tracer test load. For example, the system can: calculate a firstcalibration factor for barcodes of a first barcode type (e.g., within afirst size range); calculate a second calibration factor for barcodes ofa second barcode type (e.g., within a second size range greater than thefirst size range); and calculate a third calibration factor for barcodesof a third barcode type (e.g., within a third size ranger greater thanthe second size range). Therefore, in this example, because thesedifferent barcodes can be linked to different pathogens (e.g., ofsimilar sizes or behaviors), the system can apply these calibrationfactors to different pathogens, in a set of pathogens, detectable by theair sampler 104.

In particular, in the preceding example, the system can: calculate afirst pathogen level for a first pathogen (e.g., exhibiting a sizewithin the first size range) associated with the first barcode typebased on a first detected pathogen level of the first pathogen in abioaerosol sample and the first calibration factor; calculate a secondpathogen level for a second pathogen (e.g., exhibiting a size within thesecond size range) associated with the second barcode type based on asecond detected pathogen level of the second pathogen in the bioaerosolsample and the second calibration factor; and calculate a third pathogenlevel for a third pathogen (e.g., exhibiting a size within the thirdsize range) associated with the third barcode type based on a thirddetected pathogen level of the third pathogen in the bioaerosol sampleand the third calibration factor.

The system can derive this calibration factor (e.g., for a particularspace) over multiple sampling windows during the calibration period. Thesystem can therefore compile results obtained across multiple samplingperiods to converge on a particular calibration factor or set ofcalibration factors (e.g., for a set of barcodes) for this space.

Further, in one variation, the system can derive multiple calibrationfactors for the space based on different locations of the air sampler104 within the space. For example, the system can derive a firstcalibration factor for the air sampler 104 located in a first region(e.g., mounted to a first wall) within a space. Then, the system canprompt a user associated with the space to relocate the air sampler 104to a second region (e.g., mounted to a second wall opposite the firstwall) within the space for recalibration at the second region. Thesystem can then derive a second calibration factor for the air sampler104 located in the second region within the space. In this example, inresponse to the second calibration factor falling below the firstcalibration factor—such that a detected proportion of a true barcodeload output by the dispenser 102 and detected at the air sampler 104 isgreater at the second region—the system can: assign the air sampler 104to the second region in the space; and prompt the user to maintain theair sampler 104 within the second region. Additionally and/oralternatively, the system can repeat this process for additional regionswithin the space to find a location within the space at which the airsampler 104 can detect a greatest proportion of the true barcode loadoutput by the dispenser 102.

During the calibration period, the system can trigger the air sampler104 to collect bioaerosol samples during sampling windows of a targetduration matched to a duration of sampling windows during the liveperiod to enable accurate prediction of pathogen levels within thespace. Additionally and/or alternatively, the system can implementsampling windows of scalable durations and scale these calibrationfactors accordingly. For example, the system can derive a firstcalibration factor during a first sampling window of a first durationduring the calibration period. Then, during a live period succeeding thecalibration period, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosolsample during a sampling window of a second duration greater than thefirst duration; calculate a scaling factor based on the first durationand the second duration; derive a second calibration factor based on thescaling factor and the first calibration factor; access a detectedpathogen level in the bioaerosol sample; and predict a first pathogenlevel in the bioaerosol sample based on the detected pathogen level andthe second calibration factor.

9.1.2 One Air Sampler+Multiple Dispensers: Single Space

In one implementation, the system can include: an air sampler 104deployed in a space; and a set of dispensers 102 deployed in the space.In this implementation, the system can similarly derive a set ofcalibration factors for this space based on known quantities of barcodesoutput by the dispenser 102 and detected quantities of barcodescollected by the air sampler 104. In particular, the system can derive aunique calibration factor for each dispenser 102, in the set ofdispenser 102, in the space. The system can then leverage thesecalibration factors to identify regions of the space, in which the setof dispensers 102 are located, at which barcodes—and therebypathogens—are more easily detected and to identify regions of the spacein which barcodes are less detectable.

For example, the system can include: an air sampler 104 mounted to afirst wall within a room; a first dispenser 102—configured to dispensequantities of a first barcode—mounted to second wall opposite the firstwall and; a second dispenser 102 —configured to dispense quantities of asecond barcode—located on a desk bordering the first wall and a thirdwall; and a third dispenser 102—configured to dispense quantities of athird barcode—located on a window sill along a fourth wall opposite thethird wall. Then, during a calibration period for the room, the systemcan: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104over a first sampling window of a target duration (e.g., 1 minute, 1hour, 24 hours); trigger dispensation of a first tracer test load by thefirst dispenser 102, the first tracer test load defining a first volumeand exhibiting a first concentration of the first barcode; triggerdispensation of a second tracer test load by the second dispenser 102,the second tracer test load defining a second volume (e.g., equivalentthe first volume) and exhibiting a second concentration (e.g.,equivalent the first concentration) of the second barcode; and triggerdispensation of a third tracer test load by the third dispenser 102, thethird tracer test load defining a third volume (e.g., equivalent thefirst and second volume) and exhibiting a third concentration (e.g.,equivalent the first and second concentration) of the third barcode.Then, upon expiration of the target duration, the bioaerosol sample canbe collected (e.g., within the air sampler 104, at a remote location)for further analysis (e.g., via genetic testing) of the bioaerosolsample.

Upon completion of genetic testing of the bioaerosol sample, the systemcan: access a first detected barcode level of the first barcode in thebioaerosol sample; access a second detected barcode level of the secondbarcode in the bioaerosol sample; and access a second detected barcodelevel of the first barcode in the bioaerosol sample. The system canthen: calculate a first true barcode level in the room based on thefirst volume and the first concentration of the first barcode in thefirst tracer test load; calculate a first detectable proportion of thefirst barcode based on the first detected barcode level and the firsttrue barcode level; calculate a second true barcode level in the roombased on the second volume and the second concentration of the secondbarcode in the second tracer test load; calculate a second detectableproportion of the second barcode based on the second detected barcodelevel and the second true barcode level; calculate a third true barcodelevel in the room based on the third volume and the third concentrationof the third barcode in the third tracer test load; and calculate athird detectable proportion of the third barcode based on the thirddetected barcode level and the third true barcode level. In thisexample, in response to the third detectable proportion falling below athreshold proportion, the system can then prompt a user associated withthe room to place a fan proximal the third dispenser 102 to increase airflow from the third region of the room toward the air sampler 104.Therefore, based on these detectable proportions, the system canidentify regions of the room which can exhibit limited detectability ofbarcodes and/or pathogen and thereby suggest changes (e.g.,environmental changes) within the room to improve detectability.

Further, in the preceding example, the system can: calculate a firstcalibration factor for the first dispenser 102 mounted to the secondwall; calculate a second calibration for the second dispenser 102located on the desk; and calculate a third calibration factor for thethird dispenser 102 located in the window sill. The system can thencalculate a total calibration factor for the room based on the first,second, and third calibration factors. The system can therefore accountfor varying distribution of bioaerosols (e.g., barcodes and/orpathogens) within the room due to environmental factors (e.g., airflow,geometry, occupancy) in this room.

Additionally, the system can prompt a user associated with the space torelocate the air sampler 104 within the space during the calibrationperiod in order to increase detectability of barcodes and/or pathogensby the air sampler 104. For example, the system can: calculate a firsttotal calibration factor for the air sampler 104 located in a firstregion of a space based on a first set of calibration factorscorresponding to different dispensers 102 (e.g., at different locationswithin a space); calculate a second total calibration factor for the airsampler 104 located in a second region of the space based on a secondset of calibration factors; and calculate a third total calibrationfactor for the air sampler 104 located in a third region of the spacebased on a third set of calibration factors. In response to the secondtotal calibration factor exceeding the first and third total calibrationfactors, the system can then: assign the air sampler 104 to the secondregion within the space; and prompt a user associated with the space toreturn the air sampler 104 to the second region.

Further, the system can leverage a set of calibration factors, derivedfor a single space during a calibration period, to output ranges of(predicted) pathogen levels detected within the space. For example,during a calibration period, the system can derive: a first calibrationfactor of 120 percent corresponding to a dispenser 102 located in afirst region of a room; a second calibration factor of 150 percentcorresponding to a dispenser 102 located in a second region of the room;and, thereby, a calibration factor range of 120 percent to 150 percent.During a live period succeeding the calibration period, in response todetecting a first pathogen level of 500colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter, the system can then leverage thecalibration factor range to estimate a pathogen level range between 600colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter and 750colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter.

9.1.3 One Air Sampler+Multiple Dispensers: Multiple Spaces

In a similar implementation, the system can include: an air sampler 104deployed in a first space, in a set of spaces, within a facility; and aset of dispensers 102 deployed throughout the set of spaces within thefacility. Similarly, in this implementation, the system can derive a setof calibration factors for the set of spaces within the facility basedon known quantities of barcodes output by the set of dispensers 102 anddetected quantities of barcodes collected by the air sampler 104. Inparticular, the system can derive a unique calibration factor for eachspace, in the set of spaces, in the facility based on detected barcodesoutput by a dispenser 102, in the set of dispensers 102, located in eachspace.

For example, the system can include: an air sampler 104 located within acentral space on a first floor of an office building; a first dispenser102—configured to dispense quantities of a first barcode—located withina conference room on the first floor; a second dispenser 102—configuredto dispense quantities of a second barcode—located within a cafeteria onthe first floor; and a third dispenser 102—configured to dispensequantities of a third barcode—located within an office on the firstfloor. During a calibration period for the first floor, the system can:trigger collection of a bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104 over afirst sampling window; trigger dispensation of a first tracer test loadby the first dispenser 102; trigger dispensation of a second tracer testload by the second dispenser 102; and trigger dispensation of a thirdtracer test load by the third dispenser 102. Upon completion of thesampling window and genetic testing of the bioaerosol sample, the systemcan: access a first detected barcode level of the first barcode, asecond detected barcode level of the second barcode, and a thirddetected barcode level of the third barcode in the bioaerosol sample;and access a first true barcode level of the first barcode (e.g., basedon a known concentration of the first barcode within the first tracertest load), a second true barcode level of the second barcode (e.g.,based on a known concentration of the second barcode within the secondtracer test load), and a third true barcode level of the third barcode(e.g., based on a known concentration of the third barcode within thethird tracer test load). Then, the system can: calculate a firstcalibration factor for the conference room based on the first detectedbarcode level and the first true barcode level; calculate a secondcalibration factor for the cafeteria based on the second detectedbarcode level and the second true barcode level; and calculate a thirdcalibration factor for the office based on the third detected barcodelevel and the third true barcode level.

Based on the first, second, and third calibration factors, the systemcan prompt a user (or users) associated with these spaces to: implementvarious environmental controls to improve detectability of barcodesand/or pathogens in spaces exhibiting relatively low detectability;and/or implement additional detection methods to enable detection ofbarcodes and/or pathogen in these spaces. For example, in response tothe third calibration factor exceeding a threshold factor—such that thethird detected barcode level is significantly lower than the third truebarcode level—the system can: prompt a user associated with the space toinstall a fan proximal a doorway of the office to increase airflowtoward the central room including the air sampler 104. The system canthen trigger initiation of a second sampling window to recalibrate theair sampler 104. The system can then update the third calibration factorbased on this increased airflow from the office. In this example, inresponse to the third calibration factor exceeding the threshold factorafter installation of the fan, the system can prompt the user toimplement surface testing (e.g., via test strips) of pathogens in theoffice to increase confidence of predicted pathogen levels within theoffice. Additionally and/or alternatively, the system can prompt theuser to install a second air sampler 104 within the office and/or withinany other spaces on the first floor to improve detection.

Further, in this implementation, the system can leverage a range ofcalibration factors derived for a set of spaces within a facility topredict a range of (predicted) pathogen levels within the facility. Forexample, during a calibration period, the system can derive: a firstcalibration factor (e.g., 5X) for a first space within a facility; and asecond calibration (e.g., 50X) for a second space within the facility,the second calibration factor greater than the first calibration factor,such that barcodes originating from the second space are less detectablethan barcodes originating from the first space. Then, during a liveperiod succeeding the calibration period, in response to detecting afirst pathogen level of 10 colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter, thesystem can estimate a first pathogen level range of 50colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter to 500colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter. In this example, in response to anupper limit (e.g., 500 colony-forming-units-per-cubic-meter) of thefirst pathogen level range exceeding a threshold pathogen level, thesystem can prompt a user associated with the space to perform a surfacetest (e.g., via a test strip) in the second space. Then, in response toresults of the surface test indicating a pathogen level below thethreshold pathogen level, the system can update the first pathogen levelaccordingly and verify this sample as “safe.” Alternatively, in responseto results of the surface test indicating a pathogen level above thethreshold pathogen level, the system can alert the user to implement amitigation technique (e.g., cleaning technique, modification tooccupancy, evacuation) matched to the pathogen level.

9.1.4 Variation: Continuous Sampling

In one variation, the air sampler 104 can be configured to continuouslyor semi-continuously collect bioaerosol samples from the space during acalibration period to generate a timeseries of barcode data during thecalibration period. The system can then leverage this timeseries ofbarcode data to generate a calibration curve for this space.

For example, during a calibration period for a space, the system can:trigger collection of a first bioaerosol sample by an air sampler 104installed in the space during a first sampling window of a targetduration (e.g., 1 minute, 30 minutes, 1 hour) within the calibrationperiod; trigger dispensation of a first tracer test load by a dispenser102 installed in the space during the first sampling window; triggercollection of a second bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104 during asecond sampling window of the target duration, immediately succeedingthe first sampling window, within the calibration period; and triggercollection of a third bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104 during athird sampling window of the target duration, immediately succeeding thesecond sampling window, within the calibration period. Then, uponcompletion of analysis of these bioaerosol samples, the system can:access a first detected barcode level in the first bioaerosol sample;access a second detected barcode level in the second bioaerosol sample;and access a third detected barcode level in the third bioaerosolsample. The system can then leverage the first, second, and thirddetected barcode levels to generate a calibration curve representativeof changes in levels of detected barcodes in the space over time. Inparticular, in this example, when the tracer test load is initiallyoutput by the dispenser 102 during the first sampling window, the systemcan detect a relatively low concentration of barcodes in the bioaerosolsample, represented by the first pathogen level, due to distance betweenthe air sampler 104 and the dispenser 102. Alternatively, due to airflow or current within the space, the system can detect a relativelyhigh concentration of barcodes in the second bioaerosol sample,represented by the second pathogen level. Then, as barcodes present inthe first tracer test load settle and/or disperse within the space, thesystem can detect a relatively moderate concentration of the barcodes inthe third bioaerosol sample, represented by the third pathogen level.The system can then interpolate between these detected barcode levels togenerate the calibration curve for this space.

The calibration curve can therefore be leveraged to model movement ofbarcodes and/or pathogens within the space and changes in barcode and/orpathogen levels in air in this space over time. The system can derive acalibration curve for a particular space, a particular barcode, aparticular barcode type (e.g., based on size), and/or a particularregion (e.g., in which the air sampler 104 is located) within the space.

In particular, during a live period succeeding the calibration period,the system can compare a detected pathogen curve (in near real-time) tothe calibration period for this space to predict current and/or futurepathogen levels within this space. For example, during a live period ina space, the system can: access a first detected pathogen level in afirst bioaerosol sample collected during a first sampling window; accessa second detected pathogen level in a second bioaerosol sample collectedduring a second sampling window succeeding the first sampling window;access a third detected pathogen level in a third bioaerosol samplecollected during a third sampling window succeeding the second samplingwindow; and derive a first detected pathogen curve for this space duringthe live period based on the first, second, and third pathogen levels.The system can then: access a calibration curve stored in a calibrationprofile for this space; characterize a correlation between the firstdetected pathogen curve and a first portion of the calibration curve;and, in response to the correlation exceeding a threshold correlation,predict a fourth pathogen level at a future time (e.g., within the 30minutes, within the next hour, within the next day) based on firstdetected pathogen curve, the calibration curve, and the correlation.

10. Variation: Calibration Model

In one variation, the system can execute multiple calibration periods toconstruct a calibration model for the space as a function ofenvironmental conditions within the space. In particular, the system canaccess environmental data (e.g., air temperature, humidity, time of day,indoor air velocity, human occupancy) recorded during execution of thesecalibration periods to derive correlations between detectioncapabilities of the air sampler 104 in the space and environmentalconditions within the space.

For example, during each calibration period, in a set of calibrationperiods for a space, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosolsample by the air sampler 104; trigger release of a tracer test load bythe dispenser 102; and collect a set of environmental data (e.g., anaverage air temperature, an average humidity level, a time of day, anaverage indoor air velocity, an average human occupancy). Then, for eachcalibration period, in the set of calibration periods, the system can:access a detected barcode level in the bioaerosol sample collected bythe air sampler 104; access a true barcode level contained in the tracertest load dispensed by the dispenser 102; derive a calibration factor,in a set of calibration factors, for the space based on a differencebetween the detected barcode level and the true barcode level; andassociate the calibration factor with the set of environmental datacollected during the corresponding calibration period. The system canthen compile each calibration factor, in the set of calibration factors,associated with the corresponding set of environmental data, into acalibration model for this space defining calibration factor as afunction of environmental conditions in this space.

Later, during a live period succeeding the set of calibration periods inthis space, the system can leverage this calibration model to calculatea corrected calibration factor for the live period based onenvironmental conditions in the space during the live period. Inparticular, during the live period, the system can: trigger collectionof a first bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104 in the space; andcollect a first set of environmental data for the space. The system canthen: access a detected pathogen level of a pathogen in the bioaerosolsample; calculate a corrected calibration factor for the live periodbased on the first set of environmental data and the calibration model;and calculate a true pathogen level of the pathogen in the space duringthe live period based on the detected pathogen load and the correctedcalibration factor. Therefore, the system can calculate a uniquecalibration factor (i.e., corrected calibration factor) for eachbioaerosol sample collected in the space based on environmentalconditions in this space during collection of the sample. The system canthus account for changes in pathogen detectability within the space dueto changes in various environmental conditions within the space.

In another variation, the system can construct a calibration model forthe space as a function of pathogen characteristics. In particular, thesystem can: access characteristics—such as size, functionality,behaviors, etc.—of a set of pathogens defined for the space; derivecorrelation factors for a corpus of tracer molecules (e.g., barcodesand/or fluorescent material) configured to exhibit characteristicsresembling characteristics of the set of pathogens; and derivecorrelations between detection capabilities of the air sampler 104 inthe space and characteristics of the set of pathogens and/or tracermolecules.

For example, during each calibration period, in a set of calibrationperiods for a space, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosolsample by the air sampler 104; trigger release of a tracer testload—containing tracer molecules exhibiting a range of sizes,functionalities, behaviors, etc.—by the dispenser 102; and, for eachtype of tracer molecule contained in the tracer test load, access a setof characteristics of the tracer molecule. Then, for each calibrationperiod, in the set of calibration periods, and for each type of tracermolecule contained in the tracer test load, the system can: access adetected tracer level (e.g., barcode and/or fluorescence level) in thebioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104; access a true tracerlevel contained in the tracer test load dispensed by the dispenser 102;derive a calibration factor, in a set of calibration factors, for thespace based on a difference between the detected tracer level and thetrue tracer level; and associate the calibration factor with the set ofcharacteristics of the type of tracer molecule. The system can thencompile each calibration factor, in the set of calibration factors,associated with the corresponding set of characteristics, into acalibration model for this space defining calibration factor as afunction of pathogen characteristics in this space. Later, during a liveperiod succeeding the set of calibration periods in this space, thesystem can leverage this calibration model to calculate a correctedcalibration factor for the live period based on characteristics ofpathogens detected in the space during the live period.

11. Calibration: Fluorescent Tracer Molecules

Additionally and/or alternatively, in one variation, the system can runevaluations to calibrate and confirm functionality of the dispenser 102and/or air sampler 104 based on detection of fluorescent material (e.g.,fluorescent tracer molecules) contained in one or more tracer test loadsdispensed by the dispenser 102 during the calibration period.

In particular, in this variation, during a calibration period for anenvironment (e.g., containing the air sampler 104 and the dispenser102), the system can: trigger collection of an initial bioaerosol sampleover an initial sampling period of a fixed duration by the air sampler104 located in the environment; and, during the first sampling period,trigger dispensation of a first tracer test load by the dispenser 102located in the environment, the first tracer test load includingfluorescent material in solution; access a first detected fluorescencelevel of fluorescent material detected in air collected by the airsampler 104; access a first true fluorescence level of fluorescentmaterial contained in the first tracer test load; and derive acalibration factor for fluorescent material in the environment based ona difference between the first detected fluorescence level and the firsttrue fluorescence level. The system can then store this calibrationfactor (or “fluorescence calibration factor”) in the calibration profilefor the space containing the air sampler 104 and the dispenser 102.

Further, in this variation, during a live period succeeding thecalibration period, the system can: trigger collection of a firstbioaerosol sample over a first sampling period of the fixed duration bythe air sampler 104; access a first detected pathogen level of a firstpathogen, in a set of pathogens, detected in the first bioaerosolsample; and predict a first pathogen level of the first pathogen in thefirst bioaerosol sample based on the first detected pathogen level andthe first calibration factor. The system can thus similarly leveragethis calibration factor to predict actual (or “true”) pathogen levels ofvarious pathogens present in the space based on detected pathogen levelsof these pathogens in bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler104.

In this variation, the system can similarly derive: a single calibrationfactor for all fluorescent material released by the dispenser 102 basedon a total amount of fluorescence (e.g., an intensity of fluorescence, aquantity of fluorescent molecules or particles) detected at the airsampler 104; a unique calibration factor for each type of fluorescentmaterial—such as different types of fluorescent molecules (e.g., red,yellow, or green fluorescent molecules), fluorescent molecules ofdifferent sizes, and/or fluorescent molecules exhibiting differentfluorescent properties (e.g., fluorescing at a particular intensityand/or within a particular wavelength range)—released by the dispenser102; and/or a unique calibration factor for fluorescent material at eachlocation of the dispenser 102(s) in the space.

11.1 Calibration: Barcodes+Fluorescent Material

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can release tracer test loadscontaining tracer molecules including both barcodes (or “DNA barcodes”)and fluorescent material. In this implementation, the system canleverage dispensation of a known quantity of barcodes and a knownquantity of fluorescent material in a tracer test load released by thedispenser 102 into an environment (or “space”) to: derive a calibrationfactor (or “barcode calibration factor) for barcode levels in theenvironment based on detected barcode levels in a bioaerosol samplecollected by the air sampler 104; and derive a calibration factor (or“fluorescence calibration factor) for fluorescence levels in theenvironment based on detected fluorescence levels at the air sampler104, such as via detection of fluorescent aerosols in air flowingthrough the tunnel 152 of the air sampler 104 and/or present in thebioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104.

The system can then derive a conversion model (e.g., a set of conversionfactors)—such as a scalar and/or a timeseries of scalars—linkingproportions of fluorescent material detected at the air sampler 104 toproportions of barcodes detected in bioaerosol samples collected by theair sampler 104, thereby enabling prediction of barcode levels based ondetected fluorescence levels and/or enabling prediction of fluorescencelevels based on detected barcode levels. In particular, because detectedbarcode levels (or “detected amounts of barcodes”)—such as collected viagenetic analysis (e.g., genetic testing and/or sequencing) of bioaerosolsamples collected by the air sampler 104—may be more accurate and/orexhibit less variability than detected fluorescence levels (or “detectedamounts of fluorescence” and/or “detected amounts of fluorescentmaterial”)—such as collected via detection of fluorescence in airflowing through the air sampler 104 in images (e.g., fluorescencespectra) captured by a set of sensors (e.g., an optical sensor)installed in the air sampler 104—the system can leverage detectedbarcode levels to calibrate or normalize detected fluorescence levels.

For example, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sampleby the air sampler 104 over a sampling period of a fixed duration (e.g.,1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours); during the sampling period,trigger release of a tracer test load containing a known amount ofbarcodes (e.g., a known barcode level) and a known amount of fluorescentmaterial (e.g., a known fluorescence level); access a detected amount ofbarcodes (e.g., a detected barcode level) in the bioaerosol sample, suchas detected via a genetic detector or a genetic sequencer in the airsampler 104 and/or at a remote facility; access a detected amount offluorescent material (e.g., a detected fluorescence level) detected inthe air sampler 104 (e.g., travelling through the tunnel 152 and/orcollected in the bioaerosol sample on the collector plate), such asdetected via an optical sensor installed in the air sampler 104 (e.g.,within the tunnel 152, proximal the collector plate, and/or in thesampler cartridge 160); derive a barcode calibration factor—representinga proportion of barcodes release in the space and collected by the airsampler 104 during the sampling period—based on the known amount ofbarcodes and the detected amount of barcodes; and derive a fluorescencecalibration factor —representing a proportion of fluorescent materialreleased in the space and detected and/or collected by the air sampler104 during the sampling period—based on the known amount of fluorescentmaterial and the detected amount of fluorescent material.

Then, based on the barcode calibration factor and the fluorescencecalibration factor, the system can derive a conversion model—such as aconversion factor or scalar (e.g., fixed or represented as a function oftime, type of tracer molecule, and/or environmental data)—configured tonormalize detected amounts of fluorescence (e.g., detected fluorescencelevels) detected at the air sampler 104 in the space. The system canthus leverage higher-resolution barcode data collected during thiscalibration period —such as collected via specific genetic testingand/or complete genetic sequencing of bioaerosol samples collected bythe air sampler 104—to normalize, confirm, and/or rectifylower-resolution fluorescence data collected during this calibrationperiod and/or during a live period succeeding the calibration period.Later, during a live period succeeding the calibration period, thesystem can thus combine low-resolution, high-frequency time series offluorescence levels detected in the environment with higher-resolution,lower-frequency time series of barcode levels detected in theenvironment.

Alternatively, in another implementation, the dispenser 102 can releasetracer test loads containing tracer molecules including only fluorescentmaterial. In this implementation, the system can derive a calibrationfactor(s) for fluorescent material in the space as described above.

12. Aerosol Flow Metrics

In one implementation, the system can leverage detection of tracermolecules—released by a particular dispenser 102, in a set of dispensers102, and detected in air flowing through the air sampler 104—to derive aset of aerosol flow metrics—such as aerosol clearance rate, exposurereduction rate, velocity of aerosol flow, direction of aerosol flowrepresenting movement of aerosols, time-to-detection of aerosols,detectability of aerosols, etc.—representing movement of aerosols (e.g.,bioaerosols generally, microbes, pathogens, and/or tracer molecules) inthe environment

For example, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sampleover a sampling period (e.g., of a fixed or target duration) by the airsampler 104 installed in the environment; during the first samplingperiod, trigger dispensation of a tracer test load by a first dispenser102, in a set of dispensers 102, installed in the environment, thetracer test load including tracer molecules (e.g., barcodes and/orfluorescent material) in solution; access a detected amount of tracermolecules present in the bioaerosol sample; access a true amount oftracer molecules present in the tracer test load; and derive acalibration factor, in a set of calibration factors, for the environmentbased on a difference between the detected amount of tracer moleculesand the true amount of tracer molecules. Then, based on the set ofcalibration factors, the system can deriving a set of aerosol flowmetrics—such as detectability of aerosols, a clearance rate, an exposurereduction rate, time and/or duration to initial detection, and/or avelocity of aerosol flow in a region of the environment including thedispenser 102 and the air sampler 104 and/or in a particular directionextending from the dispenser 102 toward the air sampler 104—representingmovement of aerosols in the environment, based on the set of calibrationfactors.

Further, in this implementation, the system can leverage timeseriestracer data collected in the environment over time (e.g., over multiplecalibration periods and/or multiple sampling periods) in combinationwith tracer data collected from multiple locations within theenvironment—such as by releasing tracer test loads from multipledispensers 102 deployed throughout the environment, prompting a user torelocate the dispenser 102 in multiple locations, collecting bioaerosolsamples from multiple air samplers 104 deployed throughout theenvironment, and/or prompting the user to relocate the air sampler 104in multiple locations—to derive a comprehensive set of aerosol flowmetrics—representing movement of aerosols throughout the environment.

For example, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sample,over a sampling period, by an air sampler 104 installed in a firstlocation within the environment; at a first time during the samplingperiod, trigger dispensation of a tracer test load by a first dispenser102, in a set of dispensers 102, installed in a first location in theenvironment, the tracer test load including a first true amount oftracer molecules of a first type in solution; at approximately the firsttime, trigger dispensation of a second tracer test load by a seconddispenser 102, in the set of dispensers 102, installed in a secondlocation in the environment, the second tracer test load including asecond true amount of tracer molecules of a second type in solution;during the first sampling period, at a second time succeeding the firsttime, triggering dispensation of a third tracer test load by the firstdispenser 102, the third tracer test load including a third true amountof tracer molecules of a third type in solution; and at approximatelythe second time, trigger dispensation of a fourth tracer test load bythe second dispenser 102, the fourth tracer test load including a fourthtrue amount of tracer molecules of a fourth type in solution.

Then, the system can: accessing a first detected amount of tracermolecules of the first type present in the bioaerosol sample; derive afirst calibration factor, in a set of calibration factors, based on afirst difference between the first detected amount and the first trueamount, the first calibration factor associated with the first locationand a first time value corresponding to the first time; access a seconddetected amount of tracer molecules of the second type present in thefirst bioaerosol sample; derive a second calibration factor, in the setof calibration factors, based on a second difference between the seconddetected amount and the second true amount, the second calibrationfactor associated with the second location and the first time value;access a third detected amount of tracer molecules of the third typepresent in the first bioaerosol sample; derive a third calibrationfactor, in the set of calibration factors, based on a third differencebetween the third detected amount and the third true amount, the thirdcalibration factor associated with the first location and a second timevalue corresponding to the second time; access a fourth detected amountof tracer molecules of the third type present in the first bioaerosolsample; and derive a fourth calibration factor, in the set ofcalibration factors, based on a fourth difference between the fourthdetected amount and the fourth true amount, the fourth calibrationfactor associated with the second location and the second time value.Then, based on the set of calibration factors—including the first,second, third, and fourth calibration factors, each associated with aparticular time value and a particular location in the environment—thesystem can thus derive a set of aerosol flow metrics (e.g., aerosolclearance rate, exposure reduction rate, velocity of aerosol flow,direction of aerosol flow representing movement of aerosols,time-to-detection of aerosols, detectability of aerosols) representativeof aerosol movements in the environment.

Further, the system can similarly leverage these calibration factors—andthe set of aerosol flow metrics—to: predict pathogen levels of pathogensin the environment based on detected pathogen levels of pathogensdetected in bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104; monitordetectability of aerosols in the environment and/or functionality of theair sampler 104 and/or dispenser 102; detect changes (e.g.,environmental changes) in the environment based on changes indetectability and/or changes in these calibration factors over time;and/or characterize risk (e.g., risk of pathogen exposure, risk ofpathogen transmission) in regions or subregions of the environment basedon aerosol flow metrics derived for these particular regions and/orsubregions.

13. Facility Mapping: Bioaerosol Movement

In one implementation, the system can leverage spatial informationprovided for the space to derive an aerosol flow map representingflow—such as characterized by direction, distance, and/or duration(e.g., from release to detection at a particular location)—of bioaerosolparticles in the space. In particular, the system can: access a set ofimages (e.g., lidar-scanned images) of interior spaces within a facilityand captured by an optical sensor (e.g., a lidar sensor); and initializea facility map—defining a 3D rendering or representation of interiorspaces within the facility—based on the set of images. The system canthen overlay this facility map with air flow information (e.g., air flowrates, direction and/or speed of air currents) derived for this facilityfrom tracer and/or pathogen data collected in this facility to derive anaerosol flow map specific to this particular facility.

For example, during a calibration period, the system can: access a feedof images—including 360-degree lidar-scanned images of a set of spaces(e.g., an office, a breakroom, a bathroom) within the facility—capturedby a lidar sensor deployed to the facility during the calibrationperiod; and derive a 3D rendering (or “3D map”) of thefacility—including 3D representations of each space in the set of spacesin the facility—based on the feed of images collected during thecalibration period.

Further, during the calibration period, the system can: triggercollection of a first bioaerosol sample—over a first sampling period ofa fixed duration (e.g., 60 seconds, 10 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours)—by theair sampler 104 installed in a first location within the facility;during the first sampling period, trigger release of a tracer testload—containing a known amount (e.g., concentration, proportion) oftracer molecules (e.g., DNA barcodes, fluorescent material) insolution—by a first dispenser 102 installed in a second location withinthe facility; access a first detected amount of tracer molecules in thefirst bioaerosol sample; characterize a difference between the firstdetected amount of tracer molecules in the first bioaerosol sample andthe known amount of tracer molecules in the tracer test load; and derivea set of air flow metrics (e.g., direction, velocity, clearance rate,exposure reduction rate)—representing characteristics and/or patterns ofair flow in the facility, such as related to direction, distance,duration, rate (e.g., distance over time)—for the facility based on thedifference, the locations (e.g., the first and second location) of theair sampler 104 and the dispenser 102, and/or a duration betweendispensation of the tracer test load and detection of the first detectedamount of tracer molecules.

In the preceding example, the system can similarly: trigger collectionof a series of bioaerosol samples (e.g., including the first bioaerosolsample)—over multiple sampling periods of the fixed (or a dynamic)duration—collected by one or more air samplers 104 installed at multiplelocations within the facility; trigger release of a series of tracertest loads—each test load containing known amounts of tracer moleculesin solution—by one or more dispensers 102 installed at multiplelocations within the facility; and, for each tracer test load releasedby a dispenser 102 in the facility, interpret a proportion of tracermolecules—contained in the tracer test load—detected by each air sampler104 installed in the facility, such as at a particular time and/or overa series of timepoints (e.g., at 1 minute, at 5 minutes, at 10-minutes,at 1 hour, at 24 hours). The system can thus leverage these timeseriestracer data to derive the set of air flow metrics for the facility.

Finally, the system can convert these timeseries tracer data into visualrepresentations (e.g., a vector arrow) configured for insertion on the3D map of the facility to generate a 3D aerosol flow map for thisfacility. In particular, in this example, the system can: access a firstbioaerosol flow rate—representing distance travelled by bioaerosols overa particular time period—derived from the timeseries of tracer data andcorresponding to flow of bioaerosols between the first location in thefacility and the second location in the facility; interpret a firstdirection of flow based on the first location and the second location inthe facility; and derive a first air flow vector representing magnitude(e.g., flow rate) of bioaerosols in the first direction between thefirst location and the second location in the facility. The system canrepeat this process for each location tested in the facility and/or foreach prominent air flow current detected in the facility—such ascorresponding to an air flow rate exceeding a threshold air flow ratedefined for the facility—to derive a set of air flow vectors for thisfacility. The system can then overlay the 3D map of the facility withthe set of air flow vectors to generate the 3D aerosol flow map for thisfacility.

The system can therefore leverage this 3D aerosol flow map to: confirm,modify, normalize, and/or generate bioaerosol flow models configured topredict flow of bioaerosols (e.g., pathogens, barcodes, fluorescentmaterial) in the facility based on facility specifications (e.g.,dimensions, barriers, door and/or window locations) and/or environmentalcharacteristics (e.g., HVAC settings, human occupancy) of the facility;identify regions of high and/or low risk (e.g., pathogen transmissionrisk, pathogen exposure risk) in the facility based on air flow patternsin the facility and represented in 3D aerosol flow map; predict flow,dispersion, and/or spread of bioaerosols (e.g., tracer molecules,pathogens) in this facility; and/or provide a visual representation ofbioaerosol movements and/or flow patterns throughout the facility—ratherthan solely provide raw data, such as timeseries bioaerosol data and/orair flow metrics—to a user or users associated with the facility.

Further, the system can characterize risk—such as a pathogen exposurerisk for a particular pathogen and/or group of pathogens and/or apathogen transmission risk for a particular pathogen and/or group ofpathogens—in various regions or subregions of the environment based onthe aerosol flow map derived for the environment. For example, for eachsubregion, in a set of subregions, depicted in the aerosol flow map forthe environment, the system can characterize risk (e.g., a first riskvalue) associated with pathogen exposure in the subregion based on theset of aerosol flow metrics derived for the environment. In thisexample, the system can then selectively flag subregions in theenvironment for further investigation by a user associated with theenvironment based on the interpreted risk in these subregions, such asby such as by prompting the user to investigate the subregion and/orimplement a particular mitigation technique configured to reduce risk inthe subregion.

Further, the system can leverage the aerosol flow map derived for theenvironment to predict movement or spread of pathogens throughout theenvironment based on detection of these pathogens in bioaerosol samplescollected by one more air samplers 104 in the environment. For example,the system can trigger collection of a bioaerosol sample, over asampling period, by the air sampler 104. Then, the system can: access adetected pathogen level of a first pathogen, in a set of pathogens,present in the bioaerosol sample; predict a first pathogen level of thefirst pathogen in a first location in the environment, during the secondsampling period, based on the aerosol flow map and the detected pathogenlevel; and predict a second pathogen level of the first pathogen in asecond location in the environment, during the second sampling period,based on the aerosol flow map and the detected pathogen level. Thesystem can similarly predict risk (e.g., pathogen exposure risk,pathogen transmission risk) at various regions or locations within theenvironment based on the detected pathogen level and the bioaerosol flowmap. In particular, in this example, the system can: predict a firstrisk score—representing risk of exposure to the first pathogen—for afirst region (e.g., containing the first location) in the environmentbased on the aerosol flow map and the detected pathogen level; andpredict a second risk score—representing risk of exposure to the firstpathogen—for a second region (e.g., containing the second location) inthe environment based on the aerosol flow map and the detected pathogenlevel.

14. Post-Calibration

During a live period succeeding the calibration period, the system canaccess the calibration profile—including a set of calibration factorsand/or a set of calibration curves—for the space to predict pathogenlevels within the space based on detected pathogen levels at the airsampler 104.

Further, in one implementation, the system can be configured tointermittently trigger output of tracer test loads, during the liveperiod, by the dispenser 102 to confirm detection of barcodes inbioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler 104. The system can thenleverage results of bioaerosol sample testing to: detect whether an airsampler 104 is functioning properly; detect environmental changes in thespace that can affect detectability of barcodes and/or pathogens; and/orto update the calibration profile (e.g., including a set of calibrationfactors and/or a set of calibration curves) for this space.

For example, during a live period for a space, the system can: triggercollection of a bioaerosol sample by the air sampler 104 during asampling window of a target duration (e.g., matched to a duration ofsampling windows during the calibration period) within the live period;and trigger release of a tracer test load by the dispenser 102 withinthe sampling window. Then, upon completion of genetic testing for thebioaerosol sample, the system can: access a detected barcode level ofbarcodes within the tracer test load; access a detected pathogen levelof pathogens within the bioaerosol sample; access a calibration factorstored in a calibration profile for this space; and estimate a pathogenlevel for this bioaerosol sample based on the calibration factor and thedetected pathogen level. The system can then: access a true barcodelevel output by the dispenser 102 during the sampling window; calculatea test factor based on the detected barcode level and the true barcodelevel; and characterize a deviation between the test factor and thecalibration factor. Then, in response to the deviation exceeding athreshold deviation, the system can prompt a user (e.g., via the nativeapplication) to investigate the space, such as by: confirming placement(e.g., orientation and location) of the air sampler 104; testing afilter of the air sampler 104 to check operation of the air sampler 104;confirming a set of environmental controls in the space (e.g.,occupancy, airflow, whether windows are open or closed); etc.Additionally and/or alternatively, the system can initiate a newcalibration period to recalibrate this air sampler 104 to increaseaccuracy of predicted pathogen levels within the space.

In this implementation, the system can leverage calibration data for thespace to identify anomalies in barcode levels during the live period. Inparticular, the system can detect differences between detected barcodelevels and “expected” detected barcode levels (e.g., based on thecalibration factor for this space) to identify changes in detectability,such as due to environmental changes within the space. Therefore, thesystem can minimize errors in predicting changes in pathogen levels inthe space which may actually be due to changes in detectability in thespace caused by other environmental factors (e.g., air dilution,disinfection, filtration, occupancy, barriers).

14.1 Post Calibration: Barcodes+Fluorescent Material

In one variation—in which the dispenser 102 is configured to receive adispenser cartridge 130 loaded with fluorescent material and/orbarcodes—the system can be configured to intermittently trigger outputof tracer test loads—containing tracer molecules including fluorescentmaterial and/or barcodes—by the dispenser 102 during the live period inorder to: confirm detection of these tracer molecules in bioaerosolsamples collected by the air sampler 104; confirm and/or modify a set ofcalibration factors derived for these tracer molecules, the dispenser102, and/or the air sampler 104 during the calibration period; monitorand/or detect changes in bioaerosol flow patterns in the environment,such as due to various environment factors (e.g., temperature, humidity,occupancy); and/or to more accurately predict pathogen levels ofpathogens detected in bioaerosol samples collected by the air sampler104.

In one implementation, the system can be configured to: trigger outputof tracer test loads containing fluorescent material—and excludingbarcodes—at a relatively high-frequency, such as once-per-minute,once-per-hour, and/or once-per-day; and trigger output of tracer testloads containing barcodes at a relatively low-frequency, such asonce-per-day, once-per-week, and/or once-per-month. For example, thesystem can: trigger dispensation of a first sequence of tracer testloads—each tracer test load, in the first sequence of tracer test loads,containing a known amount of fluorescent material (e.g., configured tofluoresce at a known wavelength)—at a first fixed frequency (e.g.,once-per-hour); and trigger dispensation of a second sequence of tracertest loads—each tracer test load, in the second sequence of tracer testloads, containing a known amount of barcodes—at a second fixed frequency(e.g., once-per-week) less than the first fixed frequency.

In the preceding implementation, for each tracer test load dispensed bythe dispenser 102, the system can then access detected fluorescencelevels and/or detected barcode levels detected in air collected by theair sampler 104 from the space during sampling periods corresponding tooutput of these tracer test loads. The system can thus combinelow-resolution, high-frequency fluorescence levels detected in thespace—such as via an optical sensor installed in the air sampler 104 andconfigured to capture fluorescence spectra of particles collected by theair sampler 104 in (near) real time (e.g., during the samplingperiod)—with high-resolution, low-frequency barcode levels detected inthe space—such as via genetic analysis of bioaerosol samples collectedby the air sampler 104—to: rapidly detect changes in detectability oftracer molecules and/or pathogens in the space in (near) real time basedon changes in detected fluorescence levels; rectify and/or normalizedetected fluorescence levels—which may exhibit higher variability and/orless precision than detected barcode levels—based on thehigher-resolution detected barcode levels; and/or confirm, modify,and/or replace calibration factors derived for barcodes and/orfluorescent material in the space over time to more accurately predictpathogen levels of pathogens detected in the space.

For example, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sampleover a sampling period by the air sampler 104; at a first time duringthe sampling period, trigger dispensation of a first tracer test loadcontaining DNA barcodes and fluorescent material in solution; at asecond time succeeding the first time during the sampling period,trigger dispensation of a second tracer test load containing fluorescentmaterial in solution; and, at a third time succeeding the second timeduring the sampling period, trigger dispensation of a third tracer testload containing fluorescent material in solution. The system can thenrecord a timeseries of fluorescence levels detected at the air sampler104 during the sampling period and including: a first fluorescence levelrecorded at a fourth time succeeding the first time; a secondfluorescence level recorded at a fifth time succeeding the fourth time;and a third fluorescence level recorded at a sixth time succeeding thefifth time. Then, in response to expiration of the sampling period, thesystem can: access a detected barcode level of barcodes present in thebioaerosol sample; and rectify the timeseries of fluorescence levelsdetected at the air sampler 104 based on the detected barcode level toderive a normalized timeseries of fluorescence levels detected at theair sampler 104 during the sampling period.

15. Real-Time Management

In one implementation, the system can enable (near) real-time managementof the space based on predicted pathogen levels within the space. Inparticular, the system can selectively prompt users associated with thespace to implement mitigation techniques responsive to detection ofpathogens within the space. For example, in response to predicting apathogen level exceeding a threshold pathogen level, the system can:identify a mitigation technique (e.g., reduced capacity, added barriers,increased air filtration) matched to the pathogen level and/or type ofpathogen; and prompt a user associated with the space to implement themitigation technique.

Similarly, the system can enable (near) real-time management of thespace based on detected barcode levels within the space. As describedabove, the system can identify changes in detectability (e.g., at theair sampler 104) based on changes in a proportion of a true barcodelevel detected at the air sampler 104 (e.g., based on changes indetected barcode levels). The system can then selectively prompt usersassociated with the space to implement mitigation techniques responsiveto instances of reduced detectability. For example, the system can:access a first detected barcode level of a bioaerosol sample collectedduring a sampling window within the live period; access a true barcodelevel of a tracer test load dispensed during the sampling window withinthe live period; calculate a test factor based on the first detectedbarcode level and the true barcode level; and access a calibrationfactor (e.g., stored in the calibration profile) derived during thecalibration period. In response to a deviation between the test factorand the calibration factor exceeding a threshold deviation, the systemcan: access a set of environmental controls corresponding to the space(e.g., via wireless communication with a smart system integrated intothe space, uploaded by a user); identify a mitigation technique (e.g.,refill the dispenser 102, move the air sampler 104, install a fan,remove a barrier blocking the air sampler 104) configured to improvedetectability of pathogens and/or barcodes based on the set ofenvironmental controls; and prompt a user to implement this mitigationtechnique. The system can suggest additional and/or alternativemitigation techniques to the user over multiple sampling periods toincrease detectability at this air sampler 104.

16. Intervention Detection

Additionally, in one implementation, Blocks of the method S100 can beexecuted by the system to characterize effectiveness of interventiontypes (e.g., chemical, radioactive, and/or electromagneticdisinfectants) configured to treat pressures (e.g., presence and/ormagnitude) of pathogens in the space based on detectability ofgenetically-modified tracer molecules (e.g., barcodes)—linked toparticular intervention types—in collected bioaerosol samples. Inparticular, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release known volumesof a tracer test load including: a known amount of an unmodified tracermolecule (hereinafter “unmodified barcode”) configured to enablecalibration of the air sampler 104 and/or genetic sequencer; and a knownamount of a modified tracer molecule (hereinafter “modified barcode”)corresponding to the unmodified tracer molecule and associated with aparticular intervention type (e.g., an aerosol disinfectant, a surfacedisinfectant, a UV-light disinfectant)—such as genetically modified toexhibit specific, sensitive, and detectable properties responsive tocontact with the particular intervention type—configured to mitigatepressures of pathogens, a particular pathogen type, and/or a particularpathogen in the space. The air sampler 104 can then collect a bioaerosolsample—including amounts of unmodified and modified barcodes—from thespace.

The system can therefore characterize an applied dosage of a particularintervention, in this particular space, based on the known amount ofmodified barcodes released by the dispenser 102 and the detected amountof these modified barcodes in the bioaerosol sample captured by the airsampler 104. For example, the system can: calculate a percent reductionbetween the known amount of a particular barcode released by thedispenser 102 and the detected amount of the particular barcodecollected by the air sampler 104; and interpret an applied dosage (or“effective dosage”) of the particular intervention in the space based onthe percent reduction in amount of the particular barcode in the space.The system can then leverage this detected applied dosage to predicteffectiveness of the particular intervention in this space and tosuggest intervention types and/or dosages of intervention types formitigating pressures of pathogens in this space.

Additionally, the system can leverage similarities between barcodes andpathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses) to mimic flow, dispersion, and/orother characteristics of these pathogens within the space tocharacterize effectiveness of particular intervention types and/orparticular dosages of intervention types in treating specific pathogensand/or specific pathogen types. For example, the dispenser 102 can beconfigured to release barcodes (e.g., modified and/or unmodifiedbarcodes) exhibiting a range of sizes, such that pathogens of differentsizes (e.g., within the range of sizes) can be linked to a particularbarcode most representative of these pathogens. The system can thenleverage differences between amounts of dispensed modified barcodes anddetected modified barcodes of different sizes to evaluate effectivenessof an intervention type and/or current dosage of an intervention typepresent in the space in mitigating pathogens of different sizes.

The system can therefore leverage detection of modified barcodes tocharacterize effectiveness of various intervention types for mitigatingpressures of all pathogens in this space, pressures of pathogens of aparticular pathogen type (e.g., size, hardiness, mobility, virility) inthis space, and or pressures of a particular pathogen in this space.Further, the system can suggest intervention types and/or dosages ofparticular intervention types—tailored to this particular space—to auser (or users) associated with the space to minimize spread ofpathogens in the space.

16.1 Unmodified & Modified Tracer Molecules

The dispenser 102 can be configured to output tracer test loads of knownvolumes and including a known amount (e.g., concentration, quantity) ofbarcodes including amounts of a set of unmodified barcodes and amountsof a set of modified barcodes (e.g., genetically-modified barcodes). Inparticular, the dispenser 102 can be configured to output: known amountsof a set of unmodified barcodes configured to enable calibration of theair sampler 104 and/or genetic sequencer in this space; and knownamounts of a set of modified barcodes configured to enable detectionand/or characterization of various intervention techniques in aparticular space.

Generally, each modified barcode, in the set of modified barcodes, isderived from a corresponding unmodified barcode, in the set ofunmodified barcodes, such that the modified barcode is agenetically-modified variant of the corresponding unmodified barcode. Inparticular, barcodes (or “unmodified barcodes”) can be geneticallymodified (e.g., via genetic modifications to DNA oligonucleotidestructures of unmodified barcodes) to generate modified barcodesconfigured to enable detection of a particular intervention in the spaceand/or enable characterization of the effectiveness of this particularinvention in this space. For example, an unmodified barcode—including asequence of nucleobases (e.g., adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine,uracil) in a DNA strand of the unmodified barcode—can be geneticallymodified to generate a modified barcode including a chemically-modifiedstructure in replacement of a particular nucleobase in the sequence ofnucleobases in the DNA strand of the unmodified barcode. Thischemically-modified structure can be configured to exhibit sensitivityto environmental stressors (e.g., chemical, radioactive,electromagnetic) associated with a particular intervention (e.g.,application of UV-light, spraying of chemical disinfectants).

Therefore, the resulting modified barcode can be configured to exhibitsensitivity to a particular intervention or group of interventions—suchas exhibiting a known, detectable response (e.g., cleavage of the DNAstrand at the chemically-modified structure) responsive to detection ofthese environmental stressors in the space—thereby enabling detectionand/or quantification of the particular intervention in the space. Forexample, the dispenser 102 can release a tracer test load including aquantity of a modified barcode linked to a UV-light disinfectant, achemical disinfectant (e.g., alcohols, chlorine compounds,formaldehyde), an electromagnetic disinfectant, and/or a radioactivedisinfectant.

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release atracer test load including: a known quantity of an unmodified barcodedissolved in a buffer solution; and a known quantity of a modifiedbarcode—corresponding to the unmodified barcode and linked to a firstintervention type—dissolved in the buffer solution. The dispenser 102can then release a known volume (e.g., a known, airborne volume) of thistracer test load into the space. Additionally, in anotherimplementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to receive asequence of tracer test loads configured to be released over time, suchas according to a target frequency. In this implementation, each tracertest load, in the sequence of tracer test loads, can include: a knownquantity of an unmodified barcode dissolved in a buffer solution; and aknown quantity of a modified barcode—corresponding to the unmodifiedbarcode, linked to a first intervention type, and/or including a “label”linking the modified barcode to the tracer test load—dissolved in thebuffer solution. Therefore, in this implementation, by geneticallymodifying modified barcodes to include labels linking these modifiedbarcodes to a particular tracer test load, in the sequence of tracertest loads, the system can differentiate between barcodes released bythe dispenser 102 at different times.

16.2 Intervention Dosage

The system can leverage differences between known, dispensed amounts ofmodified barcodes released into a space and detected amounts of modifiedbarcodes in bioaerosol samples collected in the space during a samplingperiod to characterize an actual dosage (or “detected dosage”) of aparticular invention type active in the space during the samplingperiod.

For example, the system can trigger the dispenser 102—located in aparticular space—to output (i.e., dispense) a tracer test load of aknown volume and including: a first known quantity of an unmodifiedbarcode; and a second known quantity of a modified barcode—correspondingto the unmodified barcode (e.g., a genetically-modified variant of theunmodified barcode)—configured to detect presence and/or magnitude(e.g., or “dosage”) of a UV-light disinfectant. In particular, in thisexample, the modified barcode can be genetically-modified such that aDNA strand of the modified barcode is cut—fragmenting the DNAstrand—responsive to exposure to UV light. Simultaneously, the systemcan trigger the air sampler 104—located in the particular space—tocollect a bioaerosol sample during a sampling period. Then, uponcompletion of genetic testing for the bioaerosol sample (e.g., withinthe air sampler 104), the system can: access a first detected quantityof the unmodified barcode within the bioaerosol sample; and access asecond detected quantity of the modified barcode within the bioaerosolsample. The system can then: calculate a sampling calibration factor forthe space during this sampling period based on the first detectedquantity and the first known quantity of the unmodified barcode;calculate an adjusted detected quantity of the modified barcode based onthe second detected quantity of the modified barcode and the samplingcalibration factor, such as by calculating a percent reduction in aquantity of the modified barcode from the second known quantity in thetracer test load to the adjusted detected quantity in the bioaerosolsample; and characterize a difference between the adjusted detectedquantity and the second known quantity of the modified barcode. Thesystem can then characterize a detected dosage of the UV-lightdisinfectant in the space during the first sampling period based on thedifference.

In one implementation, the system can leverage the detected dosage of aparticular intervention type in the space—in combination with a known,applied dosage of the particular intervention type in the space—tocharacterize effectiveness of this particular intervention type in thisspace. For example, the system can: access a current, applied dosage(e.g., an amount, frequency, duration, and/or distance) of a firstintervention type in the space; derive a detected dosage of the firstintervention type —based on a difference between a known, dispensedamount of a first modified barcode in a released tracer test load,associated with the first intervention type, and a detected amount ofthe first modified barcode in a collected bioaerosol sample—in thespace; and characterize effectiveness of the first intervention type inthe space based on the applied and detected dosages of the firstintervention type.

The system can repeat this process for each intervention type, in a setof intervention types, in order to characterize effectiveness of each ofthese intervention types in this particular space. For example, thesystem can characterize: a first effectiveness of 50 percent for anaerosol disinfectant; a second effectiveness of 85 percent for a surfacedisinfectant; a third effectiveness of 30 percent for a UV-lightdisinfectant; and a fourth effectiveness of 55 percent for anelectromagnetic disinfectant (e.g., an electrostatic sprayer 118). Thesystem can then: rank these intervention types for this particular spacebased on effectiveness; and selectively suggest intervention types to auser or users associated with the particular space based on theserankings.

16.3 Dosage Profile: Defined Target Dosages for Pathogens

In one implementation, the system can access a dosage profile (e.g., aglobal dosage profile) including a set of target dosages (e.g., for aparticular intervention type) corresponding to a set of pathogens. Inparticular, for each intervention type, in a set of intervention types,the intervention dosage profile can include a set of target dosages—corresponding to the intervention type—each target dosage, in the setof target dosages, corresponding to a particular pathogen, in the set ofpathogens.

For example, the system can access an intervention dosage profileincluding: a first set of target dosages corresponding to a firstintervention type; a second set of target dosages corresponding to asecond intervention type; and a third set of target dosagescorresponding to a third intervention type. In this example, the firstset of target dosages, corresponding to the first intervention type, caninclude: a first target dosage corresponding to a first pathogen (e.g.,SARS COV-2), in a set of pathogens, specified for a particular space; asecond target dosage corresponding to a second pathogen (e.g.,influenza) in the set of pathogens; and a third target dosagecorresponding to a third pathogen (e.g., E. Coli) in the set ofpathogens. Similarly, in this example, the second set of target dosagescorresponding to the second intervention type can include: a fourthtarget dosage corresponding to the first pathogen; a fifth target dosagecorresponding to the second pathogen; and a sixth target dosagecorresponding to the third pathogen. The third set of target dosages cansimilarly include a seventh, eighth, and ninth target dosagecorresponding to the first, second, and third pathogens, respectively.

The system can then: compare a target dosage—for a particularintervention type and a particular pathogen type (e.g., a category ofpathogens, a particular pathogen)—to a detected dosage for thisparticular invention type and in a particular space to characterizeeffectiveness of the detected dosage of this particular intervention inthis space for mitigating pressures (e.g., presence and/or magnitude) ofthe particular pathogen. For example, the system can trigger thedispenser 102 to release a tracer test load of a known volume andincluding: a first known quantity of an unmodified barcode; and a secondknown quantity of a modified barcode corresponding to the unmodifiedbarcode and linked to a chemical disinfectant. Simultaneously, thesystem can trigger the air sampler 104 to collect a bioaerosol sample.Then, upon completion of genetic testing for the bioaerosol sample, thesystem can: access a first detected quantity of the unmodified barcodewithin the bioaerosol sample; and access a second detected quantity ofthe modified barcode within the bioaerosol sample. The system can then:calculate a sampling calibration factor for the space based on the firstdetected quantity and the first known quantity of the unmodifiedbarcode; calculate an adjusted detected quantity of the modified barcodebased on the second detected quantity of the modified barcode and thesampling calibration factor; characterize a difference between theadjusted detected quantity and the second known quantity of the modifiedbarcode; and characterize a detected dosage of the chemical disinfectantin the space based on the difference.

Then, the system can: access a dosage profile corresponding to thechemical disinfectant in the space and specifying a set of targetdosages corresponding to a set of pathogens; access a first targetdosage, in the set of target dosages, corresponding to a first pathogen,in the set of pathogens; characterize a first difference between thefirst target dosage and the detected dosage of the chemical disinfectantin the space; and characterize effectiveness of the detected dosage ofthe chemical disinfectant for mitigating pressures (e.g., presenceand/or magnitude) of the first pathogen in the space based on the firstdifference. The system can similarly repeat this process for each targetdosage, in the set of target dosages, to characterize effectiveness ofthe detected dosage for mitigating pressures of each pathogen, in theset of pathogens.

The system can thus access a dosage profile including target dosages forspecific pathogens, pathogen types (e.g., classification, size,virility, life-span), and/or different concentrations of pathogens. Inone implementation, the system can derive a space-specific dosageprofile based on pathogen detection in the space over time.Alternatively, in another implementation, the system can access ageneric or global dosage profile.

In one variation, the system can predict a target dosage—such as for aparticular intervention type for a new pathogen (e.g., not previouslyincluded in the dosage profile)—based on similarities between pathogens.For example, for a new pathogen detected in the space—and not includedin the dosage profile—the system can access a set of characteristics ofthe new pathogen, such as: a size of the new pathogen; a genetic profileof the new pathogen; a classification of the new pathogen; etc. Thesystem can then leverage these characteristics to identify similarpathogens, included in the dosage profile, and predict a target dosagefor each intervention type (e.g., available in the space) based ontarget dosages, specified in the dosage profile, for these similarpathogens.

16.4 Dosage Calibration

In one implementation, the system can leverage this detected dosage of aparticular intervention type in the space to calibrate applied and/orsuggested dosages of a particular intervention type in this space. Inparticular, the system can leverage known applied dosages of a set ofintervention types and detected dosages of these intervention types—suchas applied and detected during a calibration period—to derive a set ofdosage calibration factors for the space, each dosage calibrationfactor, in the set of dosage calibration factors, corresponding to aparticular intervention type, in the set of intervention types. Thesystem can then leverage this set of dosage calibration factors topredict actual applied dosages of the set of interventions types in thespace based on known applied dosages. For example, the system can:access a known applied dosage of the UV-light disinfectant in the space;access a detected dosage of the UV-light disinfectant in the space; andderive a dosage calibration factor for the UV-light disinfectant basedon the detected dosage and the known applied dosage.

The system can then leverage this dosage calibration factor to: estimate(future) actual dosages of the UV-light disinfectant in the space basedon known applied dosages of the UV-light disinfectant; and/or suggestadjusted dosages of the UV-light disinfectant in the space based onknown required dosages of the UV-light disinfectant to treat aparticular pathogen or pathogens. For example, in response to receivingconfirmation of application of a first intervention type (e.g.,application of a chemical disinfectant) at a first applied dosage (e.g.,at a particular volume, concentration, frequency) in a space, the systemcan: access a first dosage calibration factor corresponding to the firstintervention type and to this space; estimate an adjusted applied dosagebased on the first applied dosage and the first dosage calibrationfactor; access a first target dosage corresponding to the firstintervention type and to a first pathogen in a set of pathogensspecified for the space; characterize a first difference between theadjusted applied dosage and the first target dosage; and generate aprompt suggesting modifications to application of the first interventiontype in the space based on the first difference.

Additionally, the system can repeat this process for each pathogen, inthe set of pathogens, to suggest modifications to dosages of the firstintervention type based on each pathogen in the set of pathogens. Forexample, the system can further: access a second target dosagecorresponding to the first intervention type and to a second pathogen inthe set of pathogens; and characterize a second difference between theadjusted applied dosage and the second target dosage. In this example,the system can generate a prompt suggesting modifications to applicationof the first intervention type in the space (e.g., according to anadjusted target dosage) based on the first difference and the seconddifference in order to sufficiently prevent or mitigate presence of thefirst and second pathogen in the space.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the system can leverage this dosagecalibration factor to suggest space-specific dosages of interventiontypes responsive to detecting pathogens in this space (e.g., in abioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104). For example, inresponse to detecting a first pathogen level of a first pathogen in aspace, the system can: access a target dosage (e.g., a global targetdosage) for a first intervention type linked to the first pathogen andcorresponding to the first pathogen level; access a first dosagecalibration factor corresponding to the first intervention type and tothe space; estimate an adjusted target dosage based on the target dosageand the first calibration factor; and prompt a user associated with thespace to implement the first intervention type in the space according tothe adjusted target dosage.

16.5 Modified Tracer Molecule: Pathogen-Specific

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release atracer test load including quantities of a modified barcodecorresponding to a particular pathogen and/or pathogen type. Inparticular, this modified barcode can be genetically modified to exhibitcharacteristics—such as size, hardiness, mobility—imitating theparticular pathogen and/or pathogen type, such that the modified barcodemimics: flow or dispersion of pathogens of the particular pathogenand/or pathogen type within the space; and response of the particularpathogen and/or pathogens of the particular pathogen type to variousintervention types. The system can then leverage detected quantities ofmodified barcodes—associated with particular pathogens and/or pathogentypes—to characterize effectiveness of dosages of various interventiontypes in a space for particular pathogens and/or pathogen types.

For example, the dispenser 102 can be configured to release a tracertest load including: a first quantity of a first modified barcode of afirst size corresponding to a first intervention type and associatedwith a first pathogen type, pathogens of the first pathogen typeexhibiting sizes within a first size range including the first size; anda second quantity of a second modified barcode of a second size—greaterthan the first size—corresponding to the first intervention type andassociated with a second pathogen type, pathogens of the second pathogentype exhibiting sizes within a second size range including the secondsize. Additionally, in this example, the tracer test load can includequantities of unmodified barcodes—corresponding to each modifiedbarcode—in order to calibrate the detected quantity of modified barcodesin the resulting bioaerosol sample collected by the air sampler 104. Inparticular, in this example, the tracer test load can further include: athird quantity of a first unmodified barcode of the first size andcorresponding to the first modified barcode; and a fourth quantity of asecond unmodified barcode of the second size and corresponding to thesecond modified barcode. During or immediately succeeding release ofthis tracer test load by the dispenser 102, the system can trigger theair sampler 104 to collect a bioaerosol sample from this space. Then,upon completion of genetic testing of the bioaerosol sample, the systemcan: access a first detected quantity of the first modified barcode inthe bioaerosol sample; access a second detected quantity of the secondmodified barcode in the bioaerosol sample; access a third detectedquantity of the first unmodified barcode in the bioaerosol sample; andaccess a fourth detected quantity of the second unmodified barcode inthe bioaerosol sample.

In the preceding example, the system can then: calculate a firstsampling calibration factor corresponding to the first pathogen type andbased on the third detected quantity of the first unmodified barcode andthe third quantity of the first unmodified barcode in the tracer testload; and calculate a second sampling calibration factor correspondingto the second pathogen type and based on the fourth detected quantity ofthe second unmodified barcode and the fourth quantity of the secondunmodified barcode in the tracer test load. Then, the system can:calculate a first adjusted quantity of the first modified barcode basedon the first sampling calibration factor and the first detected quantityof the first modified barcode; and calculate a second adjusted quantityof the second modified barcode based on the second sampling calibrationfactor and the second detected quantity of the second modified barcode.Further, the system can: characterize a first detected dosage of thefirst intervention type—corresponding to the first pathogen type—basedon the first adjusted quantity of the first modified barcode in thebioaerosol sample and the first quantity of the first modified barcodein the tracer test load; and characterize a second detected dosage ofthe first intervention type—corresponding to the second pathogentype—based on the second adjusted quantity of the second modifiedbarcode in the bioaerosol sample and the second quantity of the secondmodified barcode in the tracer test load. Finally, the system can:access an applied dosage (e.g., amount, frequency, duration, distance)of the first intervention type; and characterize effectiveness of thefirst intervention type at the applied dosage for mitigating pressures(e.g., presence and/or magnitude) of pathogens of the first and secondpathogen type in this particular space based on differences between theapplied dosage and the first and second detected dosages.

16.5.1 Pathogen-Specific Tracer Molecules: Modified BehavioralProperties

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to releasetracer test loads including quantities of a modified barcode configuredto mimic behaviors of a particular pathogen responsive to detection of aparticular intervention type. This pathogen-specific modified barcodecan be genetically-modified to exhibit a set of detectablecharacteristics—linking the pathogen-specific modified barcode to theparticular pathogen—responsive to contact with a particular interventiontype. For example, a modified barcode can be genetically modified toinclude secondary structures (i.e., RNA secondary structures)—such as aloop in one of the DNA strands of the modified barcode—that enable themodified barcode to exhibit properties specific to a particularpathogen. In another example, the modified barcode can be geneticallymodified to include a molecule attached to the DNA strand of themodified barcode that enables the modified barcode to exhibit propertiesspecific to the particular pathogen.

In this implementation, the system can leverage the detected dosage of aparticular intervention type in the space—in combination with a known,applied dosage of the particular intervention type in the space—tocharacterize effectiveness of this particular intervention type for aparticular pathogen, in a set of pathogens, in this space. The systemcan repeat this process for each intervention type, in a set ofintervention types, and for each pathogen, in the set of pathogens, inorder to characterize effectiveness of each of these intervention typesfor each pathogen in this particular space. For example, the system cancharacterize: a first effectiveness of a first intervention type (e.g.,a chemical aerosol) for treating a first pathogen in a set of pathogensdefined for the space; a second effectiveness of the first interventiontype for treating a second pathogen in the set of pathogens; and a thirdeffectiveness of the first intervention type for treating a thirdpathogen in the set of pathogens. Additionally, the system cancharacterize: a first effectiveness of a second intervention type (e.g.,a UV-light disinfectant) for treating the first pathogen in the space; asecond effectiveness of the second intervention type for treating thesecond pathogen in the space; and a third effectiveness of the secondintervention type for treating the third pathogen in the space.

Over time (e.g., during and/or after a calibration period for a space),the system can identify intervention types and/or particular dosages ofintervention types characterized by high effectiveness (e.g., comparedto other intervention types and/or compared to particular dosages ofintervention types) in mitigating pressures of specific pathogens in thespace. The system can leverage this information to: derive aspace-specific and pathogen-specific dosage profile for application ofvarious intervention types in this space; and suggest space- andpathogen-specific dosages of particular intervention types to usersassociated with the space for preventing and/or mitigating pressures ofpathogens in this space. For example, in response to detecting a firstpathogen level of a first pathogen in the space in a bioaerosol samplecollected by the air sampler 104, the system can: access a dosageprofile stored for this particular space; select a first interventiontype, in a set of intervention types, for treating the first pathogenlevel of the first pathogen in the space based on effectiveness of theset of intervention types; generate a prompt suggesting a firstdosage—matched to the first pathogen level (e.g., based on the pathogenprofile)—of the first intervention type in the space to treat the firstpathogen level of the first pathogen; and transmit the prompt to a userassociated with the space.

17. Modified Barcode Library: Single Unmodified Tracer Molecule+MultipleModified Tracer Molecules

In one implementation, the dispenser 102 can be configured to dispense avolume of a tracer test load including unmodified barcodes of a firsttype (e.g., identical unmodified tracer molecules) and modifiedbarcodes—corresponding to unmodified barcodes of the first type —linkedto a set of interventions. For example, the dispenser 102 can beconfigured to release a tracer test load including: a control quantityof an unmodified barcode of a first barcode type (e.g., within aparticular size range, configured to detect a particular pathogen); afirst quantity of a first modified barcode of the first barcode type andlinked to a first intervention (e.g., UV light); a second quantity of asecond modified barcode of the first barcode type and linked to a secondintervention (e.g., a particular chemical disinfectant); and a thirdquantity of a third modified barcode of the first barcode type andlinked to a third intervention (e.g., an electrostatic sprayer 118). Inthis example, the system can: trigger collection of a bioaerosol sampleby the air sampler 104 during a sampling window of a target duration;and trigger release of the tracer test load by the dispenser 102 withinthe sampling window. Then, upon completion of genetic testing for thebioaerosol sample (e.g., within the air sampler 104), the system can:access a detected control quantity of the unmodified barcode within thebioaerosol sample; access a first detected quantity of the firstunmodified barcode within the bioaerosol sample; access a seconddetected quantity of the second unmodified barcode within the bioaerosolsample; and access a third detected quantity of the third unmodifiedbarcode within the bioaerosol sample. The system can then: calculate asampling calibration factor for the space during this sampling windowbased on the detected control quantity and the control quantity;calculate a first adjusted quantity of the first unmodified barcodewithin the bioaerosol sample based on the first detected quantity andthe calibration factor; calculate a second adjusted quantity of thesecond unmodified barcode within the bioaerosol sample based on thesecond detected quantity and the calibration factor; and calculate athird adjusted quantity of the third unmodified barcode within thebioaerosol sample based on the third detected quantity and thecalibration factor.

Finally, in the preceding example, the system can: characterize a firstdetected dosage of the first intervention type in the space based on afirst difference between the first adjusted quantity of the firstmodified barcode in the bioaerosol sample and the first quantity of thefirst modified barcode dispensed in the tracer test load; characterize asecond dosage of the second intervention type in the space based on asecond difference between the second adjusted quantity of the secondmodified barcode in the bioaerosol sample and the second quantity of thesecond modified barcode dispensed in the tracer test load; andcharacterize a third dosage of the third intervention in the space basedon a third difference between the third adjusted quantity of the thirdmodified barcode in the bioaerosol sample and the third quantity of thethird modified barcode dispensed in the tracer test load. The system cantherefore derive current detected dosages of each of these interventiontypes in the space during the sampling window and thus identify whichintervention types exhibit high activity (i.e., effectiveness) in thisparticular space and which intervention types exhibit lower activity inthis particular space. The system can leverage these detected dosages tosuggest intervention types—exhibiting high activity in this particularspace—to a user or users associated with the space in order to preventand/or mitigate pressures of pathogens in this particular space.

The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and/orimplemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive acomputer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Theinstructions can be executed by computer-executable componentsintegrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website,communication service, communication interface,hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device,wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Othersystems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and/or implementedat least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readablemedium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can beexecuted by computer-executable components integrated bycomputer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networksof the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be storedon any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flashmemory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppydrives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can bea processor but any suitable dedicated hardware device can(alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A pathogen detection system comprising: a dispenserinstalled in an enclosed environment and comprising: a dispensercartridge: containing DNA barcodes in solution; and containingfluorescent material in solution; a dispenser communication moduleconfigured to receive commands for operation of the dispenser; and anactuator configured to release a solution dose from the dispensercartridge based on a command received by the dispenser communicationmodule; an air sampler installed in the enclosed environment andcomprising: a sampler housing defining an air inlet and an air outlet; atunnel arranged within the housing and extending between the air inletand the air outlet; and a sampler cartridge configured to collectbioaerosols in air flowing through the tunnel; and a controllerconfigured to coordinate operation of the dispenser and the air sampler.2. The pathogen detection system of claim 1: wherein the dispenser isinstalled in a first location within the enclosed environment; whereinthe dispenser cartridge containing DNA barcodes and fluorescent materialcomprises the dispenser cartridge containing DNA barcodes andfluorescent material of a first type linked to the first location;further comprising a second dispenser installed in a second locationwithin the enclosed environment and comprising: a second dispensercartridge containing DNA barcodes and fluorescent material of a secondtype linked to the second location; a second dispenser communicationmodule configured to receive commands for operation of the dispenser;and a second actuator configured to release a solution dose from thesecond dispenser cartridge based on a command received by the seconddispenser communication module; and wherein the controller is configuredto: interpret detectability of bioaerosols in the first location basedon a first concentration of fluorescent material of the first typedetected at the air sampler; and interpret detectability of bioaerosolsin the second location based on a second concentration of fluorescentmaterial of the second type detected at the air sampler.
 3. The pathogendetection system of claim 1: wherein the dispenser cartridge comprises:a first reservoir containing fluorescent material configured fordispensation at a first time; and a second reservoir containingfluorescent material configured for dispensation at a second time; andwherein the controller is configured to: interpret a first detectabilityof fluorescent material in the enclosed environment at the first timebased on a first concentration of fluorescent material detected at theair sampler during a first sampling period comprising the first time;and interpret a second detectability of fluorescent material at thesecond time based on a second concentration of fluorescent materialdetected at the air sampler during a second sampling period comprisingthe second time.
 4. The pathogen detection system of claim 1: whereinthe air sampler comprises: a charge electrode arranged within the tunnelproximal the inlet; a cartridge receptacle arranged proximal the outletwithin the housing and comprising a cartridge terminal; and a powersupply configured to drive a voltage between the charge electrode andthe cartridge terminal; and wherein the sampler cartridge comprises: asubstrate; a collector plate arranged on the substrate and configured tocollect charged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel; and a connectorconfigured to transiently engage the cartridge receptacle to locate thesubstrate and the collector plate within the tunnel and electricallycouple the collector plate to the cartridge terminal.
 5. The pathogendetection system of claim 4: wherein the collector plate is configuredto collect charged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel for detectionof DNA barcodes and fluorescent material dispensed by the dispenser; andwherein the air sampler further comprises a fluorescence detectorarranged in the tunnel and configured to detect fluorescent materialflowing through the tunnel.
 6. The pathogen detection system of claim 1:wherein the dispenser comprises: a dispenser housing; and a sprayerarranged on the housing and configured to dispense droplets of fluidcontaining DNA barcodes and fluorescent material; and wherein thedispenser cartridge is configured to transiently install within thedispenser housing.
 7. The pathogen detection system of claim 6: whereinthe dispenser housing defines a cartridge receptacle; and wherein thedispenser cartridge comprises a connector configured to engage thecartridge receptacle to couple the dispenser cartridge with thedispenser housing.
 8. The pathogen detection system of claim 6: whereinthe dispenser cartridge is configured to transiently install within thedispenser housing to supply DNA barcodes and fluorescent material to thedispenser for dispensation of genetic test loads during a first timeperiod; and wherein the dispenser further comprises a second dispensercartridge: comprising: DNA barcodes in solution; and fluorescentmaterial in solution; and configured to transiently install within thedispenser housing to supply DNA barcodes and fluorescent material to thedispenser for dispensation of genetic test loads during a second timeperiod offset the first time period.
 9. The pathogen detection system ofclaim 1: wherein the dispenser further comprises: a fluid reservoirpreloaded with a volume of fluid; a loading vessel fluidly coupled tothe fluid reservoir; and a fluid doser configured to dispense a meteredvolume of fluid from the fluid reservoir into the loading vessel; andwherein the actuator is configured to release the solution dose into theloading vessel for mixing with the metered volume of fluid.
 10. Thepathogen detection system of claim 9: wherein the dispenser cartridgecomprises: a set of barcode reservoirs containing DNA barcodes insolution; and a set of fluorescence reservoirs containing fluorescentmaterial in solution; wherein the actuator is configured to selectivelyrelease solution from the set of barcode reservoirs and the set offluorescence reservoirs based on the command received by the dispensercommunication module.
 11. The pathogen detection system of claim 9:wherein the dispenser further comprises: a reservoir receptacleconfigured to receive the fluid reservoir preloaded with the volume offluid comprising a saline solution; and an optical sensor configured tocapture images of the fluid reservoir; and wherein the fluid reservoiris removably coupled from the dispenser and configured to seat withinthe reservoir receptacle; wherein the controller is configured tointerpret a fill level of the saline solution within the fluid reservoirbased on images captured by the optical sensor.
 12. A pathogen detectionsystem comprising: a dispenser installed in an enclosed environment andcomprising: a dispenser cartridge containing fluorescent material insolution; a dispenser communication module configured to receivecommands for operation of the dispenser; and an actuator configured torelease a solution dose from the dispenser cartridge based on a commandreceived by the dispenser communication module; an air sampler installedin the enclosed environment and comprising: a sampler housing definingan air inlet and an air outlet; a tunnel arranged within the housing andextending between the air inlet and the air outlet; and a samplercartridge configured to collect bioaerosols in air flowing through thetunnel; and a controller configured to: coordinate operation of thedispenser; and coordinate operation of the air sampler.
 13. The pathogendetection system of claim 12: wherein the dispenser further comprises acleaning module configured to sanitize surfaces of the dispenser; andwherein the controller is configured to activate the cleaning modulebetween dispense cycles.
 14. The pathogen detection system of claim 12:wherein the dispenser cartridge comprises a fluorescence cartridgeloaded with fluorescent material in solution; wherein the dispenserfurther comprises a barcode cartridge loaded with DNA barcodes insolution; and wherein the dispenser is configured to: receive thebarcode cartridge during an initial time period for dispensing testloads containing DNA barcodes during the initial time period; andreceive the fluorescence cartridge during a first time period succeedingthe initial time period for dispensing test loads containing fluorescentmaterial during the first time period.
 15. The pathogen detection systemof claim 12, wherein the air sampler comprises a fluorescence detectorinstalled within the tunnel and configured to detect fluorescentmaterial flowing through the tunnel.
 16. The pathogen detection systemof claim 12: wherein the sampler cartridge comprises: a substrate; and acollector plate arranged on the substrate and configured to collectcharged bioaerosols moving through the tunnel; and wherein the airsampler comprises an optical sensor configured to detect fluorescentmaterial collected on the collector plate.
 17. A pathogen detectionsystem comprising: a dispenser installed in an enclosed environment andcomprising: a dispenser cartridge containing DNA barcodes in solution; adispenser communication module configured to receive commands foroperation of the dispenser; and an actuator configured to release asolution dose from the dispenser cartridge based on a command receivedby the dispenser communication module; an air sampler installed in theenclosed environment and comprising: a sampler housing defining an airinlet and an air outlet; a tunnel arranged within the housing andextending between the air inlet and the air outlet; and a samplercartridge configured to collect bioaerosols in air flowing through thetunnel; and a controller configured to: coordinate operation of thedispenser; and coordinate operation of the air sampler.
 18. The pathogendetection system of claim 17, wherein the dispenser further comprises: afluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the loading vessel and configured tostore volumes of an aqueous solution; and a fluid doser configured todispense a volume of the aqueous solution into the loading vessel. 19.The pathogen detection system of claim 17: wherein the air samplercomprises a set of sensors configured to output a set of signalsrepresenting presence of DNA barcodes; and wherein the controller isconfigured to interpret presence of DNA barcodes in air flowing throughthe tunnel of the air sampler based on the set of signals.
 20. Thepathogen detection system of claim 17: wherein the dispenser cartridgecomprises a barcode cartridge loaded with DNA barcodes in solution;wherein the dispenser further comprises a fluorescence cartridge loadedwith fluorescent material in solution; and wherein the dispenser isconfigured to: receive the barcode cartridge during an initial timeperiod for dispensing test loads containing DNA barcodes during theinitial time period; and receive the fluorescence cartridge during afirst time period succeeding the initial time period for dispensing testloads containing fluorescent material during the first time period.